Kayla Hollatz: A Student, Writer, and Dreamer
I recently had the chance to talk with Kayla Hollatz of uPRise PR and a member of the Dream On Youth family. Being a PR major as well, we have connected in the past month or so over Twitter over PR advice and just getting to know each other. Interviewing Kayla gave me the chance to see what PR is like through her perspective and how she plans on carrying out her dreams.
Tell me a little about yourself!
My name is Kayla Hollatz, and I am currently a junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I am the Senior Communications Specialist at my university in the Academic Technology Services department. I also intern at Scriptoeris, an online magazine for career-driven women, and That Working Girl, a great PR blog. I’m launching my own PR blog, uPRise PR, on December 30th with my wonderful partner, Emily Joy Johnson, who is also in the Dream On Youth Family. I have big plans for the future and can’t wait to see what next year has in store for me!
Why did you join the Dream On Youth family?
I've been following Dream On Youth for about 6 months now. From the moment I visited their positive, encouraging website, I knew it was amazing cause I wanted to get involved with. I struggled with self-worth in high school and don’t want anyone else to battle self-doubt as I did. I want to be a strong voice for my generation against bullying and beauty standards, two focus areas of the Dream On Youth cause. I’m so thankful Cydney saw my passion and asked me to join the Dream On Youth family. It truly is an amazing online community.
What is your biggest dream you want to achieve and why?
In all honesty, my dreams change every day. I always seem to be developing new dreams. A dream I have had for years now is to publish many poetry collections. I am currently looking into the benefits of both self-publishing and professional publishing. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than knowing my words, printed in hard copies, are in bookshelves around the world.
Why did you choose to major in Public Relations?
I originally started as a double major in Retail Merchandising and Professional Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I had the dream to become a fashion journalist. After I found my passion had grown stronger in other areas of my life, I realized it was not the right path for me. I knew I wanted to go into a career that required expertise in writing and communication. My mother suggested looking into Public Relations, and it seemed to be a great fit. UW-Stout did not have this program, so I transferred schools and found myself at a new college with a new major. I am so glad I made the change.
As a PR major myself, do you have any lessons you have learned along the way to share?
I have had great mentors along the way who have taught me many important PR lessons. To list a few:
Start building your social media presence as soon as possible.
Create a unique, personal brand to stand out in a crowd of applicants.
Never be afraid to share your innovative ideas. The best PR professionals are creative.
Learn how to manage your time early. Increased levels of productivity will follow.
Always be ethical. Know your values and morals and act accordingly
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I receive often comes from my mother. She is a constant voice of guidance for me. One piece of advice that always resonates with me is “You teach other people how to treat you.” It reminds me of how important it is to know your own self-worth. Everyone is so worthy of love and respect, and Dream On Youth continues to emulate this message.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be graduating early in December 2014, and then the whole world is open. I am unsure of where I will relocate, but I do know it will be the adventure of a lifetime. I plan to be a PR practitioner at an independent agency, the ideal start to my career.
What are some of your favorite things to do? Favorite movie? Song?
I write a lot of poetry in my free time and post many on my blog, The Tall Twig. It is the best way for me to reach out to others, comfort them, and let them know they are never alone. I also like photography, hiking, and watching NFL football. My favorite movie is 500 Days of Summer because every time I watch it, I gain a new perspective. My favorite genre of music is an alternative rock and indie-folk.
Seeing that Kayla is graduating the same time It really put in perspective for me how important networking is. We are both going out in the real world at the same time and who knows we could end up working together someday. She is a passionate, outgoing dreamer and I am so happy I had the chance to get to know her better!
Check out her personal Twitter as well as uPRise PR's Twitter!
- Courtney