When I first started working at Mixte Communications, my PR knowledge was basically non-existent. I used to list PR-related vocabulary in my notes every time I went to our previous Ocean Beach office. In fact, I would have a separate window on my computer open at all times just in case I needed to look up anything.

Here are a few examples of some things I’ve Googled during my 10-month apprenticeship:

• “What’s the difference between an out-of-studio vs an in-studio pitch?”
• “What’s an op-ed?”
• “What the heck is a boilerplate?”

I’ve learned so much about the professional world during my time as a Communications Apprentice (besides how to Google my way in to surviving the PR world, of course). But one of my biggest takeaways from this experience was making it a habit to ask the question, “Is there anything that I didn’t ask that I should have?” at the end of every meeting when strategizing, planning and coordinating media for our clients. Why? Because asking that question shows accountability for the work that I’m doing. Because after all, I loved the work that I did here—the work that I did at Mixte mattered. And here’s how.

Every time I talk about my apprenticeship to my friends, I almost feel bad telling them that I still don’t know how to make good coffee. Mixte allowed and trusted me to do meaningful work. My success and failures at Mixte influenced me to pursue a career in the PR industry.

I may have had a couple (or at least 100) internal panic moments at work whenever I attempted to tackle a new task. But now that I look back, I wouldn’t change a thing because at the age of 20, I got to do things others my age don’t, like place stories at well-known outlets and be part of a successful PR team.

I’m ending my experience here at Mixte proud of my accomplishments because now, I Google things like:

• “How to have a more successful phone pitch”
• “Tips on generating website traffic through SEO”
• “Out-of-the-box ways to place stories in PR”
• I stopped with my “what’s” and started with my “how’s” so I can further improve the knowledge that I’ve accumulated at Mixte. I still might not be able to make good coffee, but because of the mistakes that I’ve made at Mixte, the hundreds of pitches and the thousands of other little things that I learned along the way, I know that I am ready to tackle the next step in my professional journey.

So, to Mixte Communications and its Superstars, I am forever grateful for the love and encouragement that you all have given me. I thank you for helping me begin pursuing my career aspirations where my creativity and unconventionality are celebrated. You were the perfect stepping stone to transition me into a working adult. Thank you for constantly challenging me to grow and improve—that was appreciated dearly. [I know that I have a long way to go but being a part of Mixte made me unafraid of failure]. Most of all, thank you for allowing me to help create change in my community by allowing me to help empower nice companies to tell their nice stories.

P.S. Thank you for supporting me through my first Bike To Work Day.