My series focuses on authenticity, growth, and self-improvement. These themes became especially meaningful to me after my experience studying in Paris, France, last spring. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent four months in Europe, traveling, learning, and experiencing different cultures. But what truly impacted me wasn’t just the sights or the novelty—it was how the experience challenged me to expand my worldview and rethink my place in the world.

In my Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations class with Gary Kayye💜 CTS sophomore year, we watched all kinds of ads — happy, sad, funny, tragic, and everything in between. Through these examples, I began to realize just how powerful media is in shaping both our conscious and unconscious thoughts, subtly influencing our behavior without us even realizing it.

Today, I’m turning to the internet to explore the line between what's real and what's fake—a conversation that feels ironic given that LinkedIn, like many platforms, isn't always synonymous with complete authenticity. But the reality is, both authenticity and illusion are within our control.

As a child, my imagination knew no bounds. Like most kids, I found entertainment in toys, books, and the creativity that came from within. I’d read voraciously, often finishing a book a night, and playdates were filled with crafting games and imaginative adventures.

From a young age, I’ve always had an inherent drive to stand out. The idea of blending in, of being ordinary, was something that filled me with a sense of unease. It still does. As a child, I harnessed this desire to be different by gravitating towards things that weren't popular with the masses.

As an advertising and public relations student, I’m always fascinated by the impact of major marketing campaigns and the strategies behind them. A brand’s catchphrase can make or break its identity, often defining how it connects with its audience. One of the most powerful and enduring examples of this is Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign.

As part of my capstone course, The Branding of Me, taught by Gary Kayye💜 CTS, I’ve committed to promoting authenticity, celebrating growth, and embracing continuous self-improvement. Through my blogs, I’ve been reflecting on experiences that hold personal significance—whether they be memories, passions, or simple thoughts and opinions.

As a college senior preparing to graduate, it’s easy to feel like every minute should be spent being productive. Between classes, internships, job applications, and extracurriculars, we’re constantly reminded to do more. However, after four years of trying to keep up, I’ve come to understand that being busy does not necessarily equate to being successful.

This week in Gary Kayye💜 CTS 's "The Branding of Me" class, I want to highlight another successful marketing campaign that has made a significant impact: Dove's "Campaign for Real Beauty." Launched in 2004 by Unilever, this groundbreaking initiative sought to build self-confidence in women and children while challenging the narrow definitions of beauty propagated by the industry.

As I mentioned in a previous blog for my series in Gary Kayye💜 CTS 's "The Branding of Me" class, I have had the opportunity to do PR work with Note in the Pocket this semester. This nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing clothing to children in need, has given me firsthand experience in nonprofit PR.

I first heard Fleetwood Mac not because I was seeking them out, but because their music just seemed to be everywhere. It was there on family road trips, playing on the car stereo as the highway stretched out in front of us. It was there in the background at get-togethers, echoing softly through a room filled with laughter and conversation. Songs like "Dreams" and "Rhiannon" weren’t just part of a playlist; they became part of life’s atmosphere—always there, even if you didn’t fully realize it.

Since I was little, I was always worried. In third grade, my mom even had me start a “worry journal,” filled with concerns like not seeing my teacher at recess or missing schoolwork when I joined the honors program in elementary school. Before bed, my mom or dad would sit with me while I thanked a higher power for keeping away tornadoes, burglars, and house fires. As I've grown up, I’ve thankfully conquered many of these fears, but new ones continue to creep in.

Happy Halloween! I couldn't miss the opportunity to bring up one of my favorite holidays. Halloween is one of those words that immediately conjures up a blend of excitement and nostalgia. When I think of Halloween, memories of years past and ideas for upcoming ones come to mind.

In our digital age, authenticity is everywhere – in influencer captions, marketing campaigns, and self-help mantras. Everyone wants to be “real” and gravitates toward those who appear to embody authenticity. But here’s the twist: authenticity, the seemingly simple act of “being true to oneself,” is far from straightforward. In fact, it's deeply influenced by social expectations and cultural norms, making it more of a social construct than an inherent trait.

As we explore authenticity as a social construct, marketing and advertising emerge as key players in how society perceives “realness.” Today, consumers crave a sense of connection and trust with the brands they support, and brands are increasingly tapping into these desires by creating campaigns and partnerships that feel personal and genuine. But is this sense of authenticity real, or is it another carefully crafted layer of branding?

As basketball season starts, there’s a familiar buzz in Chapel Hill. I know this feeling well – the excitement, anticipation, and pride that come with being part of UNC basketball. But being a senior now, it hits a little differently. UNC basketball is more than a sport, it’s a brand that’s embedded in our college experience, connecting us in ways that stick with us even after we leave Chapel Hill.

As a senior in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve changed since my freshman year – and not just in terms of what I know, but in how I approach opportunities. From classes to internships, each experience has required me to adapt, rethink my priorities, and embrace a learning mindset. As I prepare for life after graduation, I see adaptability as one of the most essential skills for success, especially in today’s fast-changing industries.