He’s just “a kid from a small town in Wisconsin.” But today, he’s “a long ways away from that life.” He was never “given a blueprint on how to handle fame, how to handle fortune, how to handle all the success.” He was only a kid that “hoped to one day be an NFL star.”

J.J. Watt, the small town dreamer with National Football League ambitions, underestimated his abilities. Significantly.

As the Houston Texans first round draft pick in 2011, Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, two-time Pro Bowl selection and Pro Bowl Captain in 2014, Watt has surely made an impact in the NFL. That impact stretches much farther than 100 yards, however.

Whether planned or not, Watt has built a reputation as the heartthrob who works extremely hard to succeed. The face of the Texans franchise garners positive publicity through a number of outlets, and has branded himself so effectively that fans now play a role in his public relations.

Watt’s ability to connect with various publics, including people of all ages, has enabled him to build a devoted fan base. By making Watt accessible to the Houston and NFL communities, the Texans public relations team set the defensive end up for endless success.

Through the use of Twitter and Instagram, Watt and his PR team show the many different sides of the athlete. The social media outlets not only make people feel connected on a higher level, but also promote Watt’s dedication to causes other than football.

Unlike many other athletes, Watt’s social media use benefits him greatly. He has created a voice that people trust and admire…and that “kid from a small town in Wisconsin” has public relations to thank for that.

From the Steel City to the Big Apple by way of Happy Valley, one proud Penn State alumna continues to give her alma mater something to roar about.

Hannah Biondi, a recent graduate of the College of Communications, is making waves in New York City. As the executive assistant to the vice president of Showtime Sports and Event Programming, Biondi credits her successes to many “stepping stones” at Penn State.

“Penn State opened so many doors that may have never been there had I gone to another school,” Biondi said. “Without the alumni I’ve met with, the professors I’ve had, and the supervisors I’ve worked with during my internships, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to the professional that I am now.”

During her time in Happy Valley, Biondi did not hesitate to hunt down every opportunity possible. Along with tackling a full class load, the former dean’s list student juggled two internships and still managed to serve the community. Biondi thanks Director of Strategic Communications, Steve Sampsell, for kick-starting her journey.

“I had a class with Steve Sampsell that I loved, Biondi said. “So when I realized I had some time to do more at Penn State, he was the first person I called.”

More is exactly what Biondi did. As a recruiting operations intern for Penn State football, an assistant to the director of strategic communications for the College of Communications, a public relations dance marathon captain, and a finance dance marathon captain, the alumna tasted a little bit of everything.

“Being a busy and involved student at Penn State taught me a lot about what I needed for the real world,” Biondi said. “If it wasn’t for the experience I gained between the College of Communications, Penn State football, THON, and my classes, I would not be the well-rounded individual that I am today.”

Although Biondi no longer makes the long trek across the University Park campus, bouncing back and forth between all of her different happenings, she still hopes to make an impact on the Penn State community.

“I am willing to do anything for the College of Communications and anyone at Penn State,” Biondi said. “My advice for anyone at Penn State is to use the alumni network. It’s strong, it’s friendly, and it’s always happy to help those who work hard.”

As the sun sets on summer, yellow polka-dotted bikinis are replaced with oversized sweatshirts. Fresh strawberries and crisp kale salads are swapped for pepperoni pizza and hard cider and “OMG, your body is seriously perfect” Instagram photos begin to disappear from timelines and Facebook homepages. It’s finally fall and all of that pressure to have a body mirroring that of Cameron Diaz is gone.

Well, not exactly.

Merriam-Webster defines exercise as, “physical activity that is done in order to become stronger and healthier.” Back in the age when Facebook was less than a blip on the radar, exercise meant just that. In today’s world, however, constant access to social media has turned working out into a badge of honor that cannot go unnoticed or unrewarded.

With Facebook’s new HealthyShare app, designed by General Electric, women are urged to post their latest fitness accomplishments right on their homepage. The app enables users to view their friend’s fitness achievements, check up on friend’s successes, and track their own milestones. HealthyShare will increase motivation and help everyone live better lives.

At least that’s what Paul Adams, global head of brand design for Facebook, thinks.

In a recent Business Wire article, Adams said, “By supporting each other, we increase people’s motivation, helping them meet their goals of feeling better, and being happier and healthier.”

But, wait. Doesn’t true happiness and healthiness come from within? Doesn’t support come from the people that we actually see and interact with each day? Or are we simply posting our “super sweaty 10-mile run,” which was actually a 5-mile jog, to show off that we can make it those last five imaginary miles?

I hate to break it to all of you five imaginary mile connoisseurs, but those last five miles do not exist. And they won’t exist until you have enough internal motivation to run them…without a Facebook post in the back of your mind.

We need to stop “motivating” people through fear. Fear that someone is performing better than us. Fear that someone is running farther, climbing higher, eating less. Fear does not motivate.

Ultimately, nobody else’s calorie burn truly matters. Ultimately, you are the one laying in bed at night knowing that the “sick 10-miler” was really only a five-mile struggle from start to finish.

Stop posting. Show your success. Don’t simply tell.

On the first day of senior year, a public relations professor presented me with two questions that I never really considered before. She asked, “Why did you choose Penn State?” and “Why did you choose public relations?” As I opened my mouth to respond, I found myself searching for the right words. I thought about her questions all day, and finally found my voice. My name is Katie Karsh and here is my story.

February 1, 2014. For many, it’s simply a day in the past. For one Penn State senior, it’s a day that represents opportunity, challenge and accomplishment.

Katie Karsh recalls every second of that day. “28-24. Patriots lead. Seattle drives to New England’s 1-yard line. 26 seconds. Seahawk’s Russell Wilson tosses the ball. Patriots intercept,” Karsh says. “My heart beats aggressively in my chest and I have a second to think. I’m on the field at Super Bowl XLIX. I’m working for the NFL at the most watched event in American television history.”

Karsh, a public relations major in the College of Communications, has always had a passion for football. After meeting former Penn State Head Football Coach, Bill O’Brien, at a speaking event in high school, she knew that working for the team was vital to her career goals.

“I’ve always wanted to work in public relations for a major football program, so coming to Penn State was a no brainer for me,” Karsh says. “After looking at other schools, I found that the College of Communications at Penn State paired with the exceptional Athletic Department was the perfect fit.”

Looking back at Karsh’s experiences over the past three years, she was right. Through her involvement with the football program and a recommendation from College of Communications Director of Alumni Relations, Mike Poorman, Karsh earned her internship on the Public Relations Team at the Super Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Thinking back to standing on the field at Super Bowl XLIX is still surreal,” Karsh says. “I really cannot thank Mr. Poorman, the football program, and the Penn State network enough for providing me with such a great opportunity.”

Karsh’s dedication to Coach O’Brien and hard work in Phoenix led to another great internship this summer. Hired as the Communications Training Camp Intern for the Houston Texans, she spent five weeks working with Texans players, coordinating photo and video shoots and serving as a liaison between the media and the organization.

“Spending five weeks with the Texans was a dream come true, especially since I worked with a lot of the coaches when they were at Penn State,” Karsh says. “That’s the greatest part about going to school here. Penn Staters are everywhere and it’s thanks to the great network that I have been able to pursue my dreams.”

“Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.” – Matt Biondi

A great football coach once told me to “never underestimate the image you leave on the practice field each day.” Although he was referring to his Nittany Lions, I took this statement to heart and carry it with me in everything that I do. As a senior at The Pennsylvania State University with a passion for the sports industry, I seek challenge and growth. I am confident that one day, my hard work and failure to accept mediocrity will earn me a position in the National Football League.