BrandJRNY and Point Pleasant — thank you.
Thank you for pushing me to grow in ways I didn’t think was possible, professionally, and personally. Over the past 16 weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to be apart of a real-world project that was going to make a change in a West Virginia community. As a born and raised Appalachian woman, this campaign became very close to my heart, and unfortunately my first semester with Point Pleasant is coming to an end. My name is Adrianne Uphold, and for the last time, I’m the brand manager and chief strategist for #BrandPointPleasant.
While one semester doesn’t seem long, the Fall 2019 BrandJRNY team developed personal relationships with the Point Pleasant community that made it feel like we grew up there. This experience allowed the team to network and create professional relationships with community members; however, the relationships I’ve built feel more profound and personal. It was like I was an old family friend, always welcome at the kitchen table.
I remember the jittery feeling I had at the bottom of my stomach when I walked into the first day of my capstone class. That feeling immediately went away and was replaced with excitement for the journey ahead of us. I knew from the start this experience was going to test me, but watching our vision come to life for Point Pleasant was the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had from a class. I wouldn’t change this experience for anything, even the stressful and chaotic moments each of us shared.
In addition to the relationships that were built with the community, my teammates and I also became very close. When something went wrong, or we felt overwhelmed, there was always someone there for emotional support. I wouldn’t have gotten through this challenging (and rewarding) class without Anne Parker, Chelsea Harper, Claire Hemme, Ruthie Deely, or Nick Morin. You all have changed my life this semester, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Before I sign off, I want to personally thank BrandJRNY’s graduate assistant Sam Stocksdale, Account Coordinator Carly Smith, and the best professor I’ve ever had, Dr. Rita Colistra. These three intelligent, confident professional women taught me how to believe in myself even when I didn’t think it was possible.
Thank you to the residents of Point Pleasant, for allowing me to experience the beautiful place you call home. Being able to help create this campaign to show the world what Point Pleasant has to offer has been the most challenging, inspiring, and memorable experience. I can’t wait to come back in the spring and continue my involvement with this campaign. Until then, goodbye and I’ll see you next semester Point Pleasant.
My name is Adrianne Uphold — but you can call me Adri. I am the brand manager and chief strategist for BrandJRNY’s Point Pleasant Project. I’m probably wearing socks with my Australian Cattle Dog, Wren, face printed on them. Follow me throughout our journey — @adriiaanneee.