The Only PR Major in the Room

PR Is the main character, it’s just been behind the scenes.

Photo provided by Haley Lopez from December 2024 at the Boys and Girls Club of San Pedro’s annual College Bound Mixer

Walking into a room full of high school students chasing their college dreams, I was immediately transported back to when I sat in their seats, unsure but hopeful. 

At the Boys and Girls Club of San Pedro’s annual College Bound Mixer, I wasn't just a guest — I was a guide. The event, designed to help students connect with college-aged mentors, split us up into two groups: some of us sat at tables with students, while the rest introduced themselves from the stage. As the panelist began to share their names and majors — business, nursing, engineering, dance — I scanned the room and realized: 

I was the only Public Relations major in the room.

Explaining My Major… Again

Over time, I’ve come to realize why public relations is often misunderstood: The industry is constantly evolving, and the roles are so broad they tend to get overlooked. Even worse, when people who do have an opinion about PR, it's often a negative one — perceiving it as manipulative or untrustworthy. 

This misconception diminishes the important work PR professionals do behind the scenes everyday, across all industries. Without an understanding of the true essence of public relations, its purpose gets lost. 

In reality, public relations is one the most dynamic and demanding fields. PR professionals wear many hats — serving as brand strategists, event coordinators, crisis management communicators and social media managers.

Like many of the students I met, I once struggled to understand what public relations even was. I began my college journey at California State University, Long Beach as a business major.

Exploring different majors led me to a major I didn’t even know existed: public relations, the field that had everything I was looking for.

Photos provided by Haley Lopez from December 2024 at the Boys and Girls Club of San Pedro’s annual College Bound Mixer

Demystifying PR Through Action

After switching majors, I was still finding my place in the industry and decided to get more involved on campus to gain real-life experience in just one year. In two short semesters, I have gained experience as an event coordinator, a content creator, brand strategist, and community builder — sometimes all at once. 

I joined the Public Relations Student Society of America, Long Beach chapter, where I served as the digital media ambassador and was later elected to the director position. In this role, I managed our chapter’s social media presence and helped shape our brand identity across campus.

By stepping into a leadership position, I've not only grown my skills but also work to amplify what public relation looks like in action. From showcasing events to highlighting student achievements, I use our platforms to educate students, faculty and followers on the strategic and storytelling power behind PR.

Landing a position at Beach Media — CSU Long Beach’s student-run media agency—gave me a deeper understanding of how powerful and far-reaching public relations really is. 

While organizing Beach Media’s Dorm Craft Night, OUTober Art Show and launch events, I wasn't just setting up tables and flyers. I was creating an experience that told the community a story about who we are. 

Whether I’m posting for PRSSA LB, Beach Media, or my small bakery business Looney Bites, I'm not just choosing pretty pictures and writing witty captions. I'm making strategic decisions that shape how the audience receives and engages with each brand.

PR Needs a Rebrand

Public relations isn't one thing. It’s a combination of communication, creativity and strategy. The industry is often misunderstood because it operates behind the scenes, shaping narratives, managing crises and building communities without always being seen.

To shift the perception, the public relations industry needs to be louder and more intentional in sharing the work we do. Whether it's through student organizations, agencies or personal brands, we all play a part in helping people understand what public relations really is.

That means showing others that public relations is rooted in connection—not manipulation. We are not “spin doctors”. PR professionals are storytellers, trust builders and the voices behind brand engagement.

The world feels the impact of our work, even if they don't always realize its public relations behind the scenes. 

Sitting in the San Pedro Boys and Girls Club gym, I realized: If we don't tell our story, someone else will — or worse, it won't be told at all.

Haley Lopez

Public Relations Major, Spring 2026