Embracing Life at a City School

Written by: Dahlia Boone

Students have four years as an undergraduate. That is four years in a cultural hub and the birthplace of America. Attending Temple University (or another Philly city school), students not only receive high-quality education but also have the opportunity to embrace city life during their time at school.

Philadelphia offers many parks, ice cream shops, cafes, museums, and more. As for food, the city provides various ethnic restaurants for food. A short distance from campus, students can visit Chinatown and explore the neighborhood. One can find food markets, bakeries, boba tea, art, and take pictures underneath the friendship gate. Another prominent neighborhood is Bella Vista near South Street, the first neighborhood settled by Italian Immigrants. Make sure to stop by Anthony’s Coffee and Chocolate House for the most decadent cup of hot chocolate, Angelo’s for mouth-watering pizza and cheesesteaks, and browse the Italian Market for dinner later that night. Additionally, activities in the city are unlimited: candle making, clay classes, axe throwing, a rage room, Puttshack, cake making, arcades, workout classes, and many more.

It can be easy to get comfortable sticking around campus, in the environment you know like the back of your hand. But it is freeing to escape the bubble we are in each week and venture into the city. The people you’ll meet, places you’ll visit, and memories you’ll make are invaluable and will complete your college experience. Learning not only occurs in the classroom, but learning about yourself internally, how to be independent, and the beauty of learning about others occurs anywhere you go.

As we approach holiday season, here are several events/activities to explore outside classes: LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo, Elf: The Broadway Musical at Walnut Street Theater, Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display, Winter Funcab Karaoke, Only 21+ The Official Christmas Bar Crawl

A Viral Pay It Forward Movement

Written by: Dahlia Boone

During a typical trip to Target, creator DeNaesha Gonzalez, shared her heartbreak when she spotted a silver chain purse sitting out of place on a shelf in the baby aisle. Her post immediately captured the compassion of many and brought to light the reality of motherhood. The viral post shared a glimpse into what it means to make sacrifices for your child, whether it be large or small. Mothers prioritize their children’s needs above theirs everyday to ensure their child is receiving the best care possible. 

Upon personal reflection, I thought of all the sacrifices my mom made that transformed me into the person I am today. It also made me realize that this is my mom’s first time living too. She deserves kindness, acknowledgement, and grace. As a college student, (and baby adult) I find hardships in refilling prescriptions, managing finances, and processing an amazon return. I give a lot of kudos to moms everywhere for taking care of another life while keeping themselves healthy and happy.

In response to the TikTok community’s devastation, supporters started a trend by leaving gift cards or cash inside baby products on the shelf. Paying it forward to new moms is not only relieving a financial burden, but gives them recognition for their relentless efforts. Many donors encouraged recipients to use the money to reward themselves with a special purchase. We all deserve recognition for simply just existing and being ourselves, but especially taking care of another life is top tier impressive.

P.S. To all moms out there, you are loved, you are appreciated, and you are impressive. <3

The Power of Current College Students

Colleges often find themselves obsessed with new students wanting to lure them into the trap of their university. After all, new students represent the future generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers and even PR professionals. However, when you focus too much on the potential newcomers, you forget about your current students. With that, colleges need to adopt different PR strategies for bringing in new faces.

They need to realize catering to prospective students is not a sustainable practice. Trying to appeal to potentials but relegating their current to the back burner will only lead to dissatisfied students. When current students feel neglected in favor of potential ones, it creates a ripple effect of negativity that ultimately tarnishes the good name of the college. Conversations will inevitably turn to the school’s shortcomings, overshadowing the positive aspects of the institution. Whether it’s through word of mouth, social media or other communication channels, the bad and the ugly will be known to prospects. Therefore, painting an unflattering picture of the school.

This is what I mean by changing PR strategies, because schools unwittingly sabotage their own PR efforts by failing to recognize the influential role current students play in shaping perceptions. Current students are the best PR for schools and people need to start realizing that sentiment.

As students we offer an authentic perspective that resonates with the potential incomers. Telling the truth instead of half-truths or white lies from campus tours and preview days. We offer an honest and transparent evaluation of the school.

By fostering good relationships with current students, colleges will get what’s considered good PR and create advocates for the school.

But a strong rapport with current students requires more than just superficial gestures or tokens of appreciation. It demands genuine engagement and commitment to addressing their concerns and needs. They need to demonstrate an investment in the well-being and success of their current students. Prioritizing current students in college PR strategies isn't just a matter of goodwill but a strategic move in a long game of chess.

This blog was written by Kai Johnson