Hofstra in LA 2020
Student Networking
The Hofstra in L.A. program is a course taken by a select group of students, followed by a trip to Los Angeles, California designed to connect Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication students with Hofstra alumni and other leaders within the entertainment and media industry. Nineteen students had the unique opportunity to learn from and network with television, film, radio, public relations, and journalism professionals living and working on the West Coast.
My Publications
During the trip, I got to publish various blog posts about my experience traveling to the West Coast for the first time and getting to network with inspirational professionals. Below are some samples.
Chasing a Dream
December 9, 2019
(Excerpt)
Hello blogging world! My name is Paula Chirinos and I am close to fulfilling my dream of becoming a communications professional in the United States. I am currently studying public relations and global studies at Hofstra University, and with my senior graduation quickly approaching, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to join a group of my peers on an immersive 10 day trip to Los Angeles, California in January.
My journey started when I moved to the U.S. from my home country of Peru, at the age of 3. My family went straight to New York since we saw this area as the “promise land” where my brother and I could reach our fullest potentials. Since then, I have been yearning to discover other wonders in this country so getting to travel to L.A. is truly a dream come true.
Stay Tuned: Great Things to Come
January 11, 2020
(Excerpt)
Although I declared my major as Public Relations once I was accepted to Hofstra, I have always had a soft spot for journalism. I intensely follow global news since my family is subscribed to Latin American news programming in order to stay informed on major events that could affect the majority of our relatives which live in Peru. My appreciation for this profession grew further after I took a journalism course in high school which taught me the history and fundamentals of this sector. Seeing figures like Gadi Schwartz, a native of Guatemala, succeed in a major television network such as NBC, greatly inspires me to stay in this industry.
Beverly Hills is Where I Want To be
January 13, 2020
(Excerpt)
Major life decisions have been contemplated today. Admittedly, I was on the fence about considering moving to Los Angeles after graduation, since the start of this trip. A majority of the executives we met so far have told the group that 85% of opportunities in the entertainment industry are located in Los Angeles, but I still figured that I’d most likely stay living in New York regardless. After today’s meetings, however, my inclination has leaned farther towards challenging myself and making a new life here in California.
California Dreamin'
Great memories with my classmates
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