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Western Carolinian Volume 64 (65) Number 26

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  • March 29, 2000 NEWS WESTERN CAROLINIAN by Dawn N. Pasley Asst. News Editor It takes a mix of tenacity, determination, and leadership to develop an organization from virtual anonymity to big-name status. Such is the essence of a good public relations leader, and Jamie Flynn, director of Catamount Communications (CatComm), is a notable example. CatComm is the student-run public relations firm at WCU. Flynn describes CatComm as the "working arm" of WCU's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSS A). She joined PRSSA a few years ago when she began to take an interest in public relations. Her involvement with CatComm began in the fall semester of her junior year, when she took an interest in the organization, which had just become an active member the Student Media Board. Immediately, she resolved to build a foundation for the struggling PR firm. "My goal was to create a hands on PR firm for students to gain real world experience," Flynn said. A communications major with a concentration in print media, Flynn applied for, and was granted, the directorship of the firm for this academic year. She oversees its operations, which include making brochures, designing newsletters, writing press releases, and generating publicity for clients of the firm. Some of their major clients include the Jackson County chapter of the American Red Cross, the Drug and Alcohol Task Force, and the University Club. "Our clients heard about us through word of mouth," Flynn said. "We have just completed a brochure to be distributed on campus and to the community informing them of our services." One of the greatest challenges that Flynn, as director, has had to face is the smaller membership of Catamount Communications. Since August, her goal has been to CatComm Director Builds 'From the Ground Up' Jamie Flynn increase student awareness of the firm and emphasize how good participation in an activity of this sort can look in one's portfolio. "We have spoken to classes in the Communication Department to encourage students to give CatComm a try," Flynn said. "If they are interested in public relations it is a good way to see if this is what they want to do as a career." She started the academic year by creating a physical base for the firm, which did not even have an office prior to the fall semester. She secured office space in the Old Student Union and ordered a computer and supplies to make the firm more efficient and professional in its business. "I've pretty much started it from the ground up," said Flynn. "It existed a few years ago, but we didn't have an office or awareness or anything." Flynn emphasized how much her role in the firm has given her many opportunities and experiences in her college career. She feels that it will help her achieve her goal of working in public relations for the entertainment or hospitality industry. "It's really helped me work on my leadership skills, and I feel it's prepared me for the future in some ways," said Flynn. "I've been able to work with a lot of people and become a leader, and be active on campus. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to meet as many people as I have." Flynn will graduate this May, and plans to spend the summer traveling across the globe with family and friends. She will visit the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Europe, before venturing into the real world in August. "I hope to have a job by mid- August," she said. "I want to work in Nashville, but I will be satisfied with any good job in the PR field." In addition to her duties at CatComm, she is also a leader in other campus organizations. She is the vice-president of the Order of Omega, the national Greek honor society. When she is not completing academic assignments or fulfilling her responsibilities for campus organizations, she enjoys photography. tanning salon StudentCredit.com Offers Tips for Obtaining and Maintaining Good Credit CM 293-3t25 located across from post office beside cullowhee quick-stop NOW 10 BEDS! by Michael Lewis Staff Writer Credit cards—the most wondrous inventions—or are they? Credit cards are something that students find themselves having to deal with in today's world. To have one or not to have one—that is the question. Certainly, credit cards can be a problem for students who don't use them in a responsible manner. But if students approach ownership of credit cards in a responsible way, they can be helpful tools in learning responsibility, and building a solid credit history. First of all, a big misconception about credit cards is that they help build good credit for the user. This is only true if the holder is the actual person responsible for paying the bill. According to StudentCredit.com (a website dealing with the issues of student credit), "many students carry their parents' card with their name on it." Although the students' name is on the card, those persons' parents are actually responsible for paying the bill—thus the student receives no credit recognition. The website goes on to say that students wishing to build good credit ratings should apply for their own credit card. But what are some good habits to ensure credit cards are used in a wise man ner, and will help to build good credit? StudentCredit.com recommends these tips to help ensure good credit standing. First of all, students can use their card to make small purchases each month—paying off the purchase in full when the bill arrives. Second, use a card like a checkbook. This builds credit by making several payments by the due date, and paying the bill before it's due will ensure a good rating. According to the website, all these things make the credit card account look "active"— making the credit history more attractive. The website also points out behavior to avoid in ownership of credit cards. Of course, overspending and overborrowing are the obvious ones. But lost or misplaced bills will certainly contribute to a student receiving a poor credit record. Another common mistake students make in using credit cards is that they think they have a grace period on new purchases before interest kicks in. This is only true if there is a zero balance on the card. If there is a balance on the card, interest starts immediately after the purchase. The StudentCredit.com website offers many different ways students can take control of their credit history—from offerings of student credit cards which can be applied for online, to obtaining credit reports, and even a student loan and financial aid section. I I I \
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).