MTV’s The Buried Life and IABC, closer in common than you probably expect them to be…

MTV’s The Buried Life and IABC, closer in common than you probably expect them to be…

The story goes like this.

Two brothers and a couple friends were making the transition from graduating college to dedicating the next twenty or so years towards a profession. They basically made a list of things that they wanted to do before they died, and for every time they crossed something off their list they promised to help a complete stranger do the same. The theme of the special lecture that Duncan Penn, Jonnie Penn, Ben Nemtin and Dave Lingwood gave at the Cullen Performance Hall was over what students wanted to do before they graduated.

(A couple of things I would like to do before I graduate is basically learn to be more understanding towards others and situations while also being to be able to look at any challenge as an obstacle. And any obstacle can be conquered if you have and work a plan. Helping out others can ultimately teach you something about yourself, which in turn could benefit you in the future profession. You guys know about the “pay it forward” motto. Right?)

One key aspect that the crew highlighted was volunteering and helping others. I thought for a minute and asked myself how this lecture could tie in with what IABC represents and the experience that this organization gives to students. 


Diana L. Decker, IABC member in Phoenix, said, “volunteering helps young communicators stay involved with their community while also improving and enhancing their skills and abilities.” This is particularly important when potential employers are looking to hire Decker said. Think about it, you’re out in the community volunteering and helping out, you will eventually run into somebody who could become your next business partner or investor.  

And then it hit me. A person could knock out two birds with one stone in a sense by being a member of IABC Houston and also volunteering to help better the community and others less fortunate.

“Volunteering with a professional organization such as IABC or any other organization is also important for learning and networking,” Decker said. “Im impressed with the younger commination relations committee members who all have a long list of volunteer activities and are very involved in their communities.”

This was something I felt that every young communicator should see and hear. We aren’t always promised careers after college so I’m sure you can understand why so many students feel nervous or uncertain about the immediate years after graduation. Relax... This is why IABC is here for you now, to reduce all uncertainties and give you more confidence to enter the real world. While also demonstrating that you can help one or two or millions of people along the way.

As a child I grasped and understood the importance of staying involved with my community through volunteering. However, as an adult, I wasn’t sure how that all tied in with my future plans. The entire picture is still not completely clear, but more and more pieces are falling into place. Lets get up and get to volunteering. It all starts with you and it all starts somewhere. I hope to see you out there!

Till the next time..

Respectfully