Meet the Board : Sara & Carter

This year, the IABC Maritime board is joined by two student representatives from the NSCC public relations program: Sara Power and Carter Hutton. We caught up with Sara and Carter to chat and learn a little bit more about them.

What inspired you to get involved with IABC?

Sara: When I decided to go back to school this year, I promised myself I would jump in head first and really commit. When I had the opportunity to volunteer with IABC, I didn’t hesitate. I thought it would be a great way to push myself while meeting local professionals and gaining experience in the field. I’ve not been disappointed - I’ve already learned a lot from some really cool people.

Carter: I decided to get involved with IABC because I thought it would be a great opportunity to put some of the skills I've learned in the classroom to practice in the real world. I thought my background and interests made me a good fit for the role, and I knew it would be a great opportunity to learn and grow. I was right!

What’s your favourite part of your studies?

Sara: I love that the subject matter in the PR program is so diverse. I kind of knew what I was getting into, but my expectations turned out to be the tip of the iceberg. Coming from a journalism background, I love stretching my writing and editing muscles. But overall, I think the best part is meeting so many people (which as we all know, is pretty difficult in a pandemic). My classmates are extremely talented, and our instructor Shelley Murphy has really made an effort to introduce/force us to meet industry professionals and get involved with clients. It’s been challenging but rewarding.

Carter: My favourite part of my studies is working with clients and non-profits in the community to assist with their communications efforts. I’ve loved working with these organizations and supporting them in growing their voices and reaching their audiences.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working?

Sara: In the winter, I love to get lost in a good book with a cup of chai tea (or a glass of red wine) with my cat Hector curled up next to me. In the summer, you can usually find me at the beach. And when this pandemic is over, I intend to do some international travelling - adventures in South America perhaps? Somewhere with fresh coconuts and mangoes!

Carter: I love photography, hiking with friends and camping. In a pre-pandemic world I loved live music (and photographing it), but I’ve since replaced this passion with running. Nothing beats hitting the streets with your favourite album on blast after a day full of back-to-back Zoom calls!

What's something you geek out about?

Sara: This is a tough question, because I’m a geek about so many things. Over the pandemic, I got really into growing my own herbs and plants (Lavender is my favourite). I’m a bit of a Whovian, I’ve read Pride & Prejudice more times than I can count, and Yoga with Adriene is my religion. Oh, and I play the ukulele.

Carter: A lot of things! When something piques my interest, I tend to dive in deep and learn everything I can. As I mentioned earlier, I picked up running while in lockdown. It's been a blast tracking my progress since I started in March (though I may have the gamification of running through social apps to thank for that). I also love to geek out about photography, podcasts, music and the latest pop culture.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Sara: I accepted a job at a radio station in Miramichi, New Brunswick as a morning show co-host when I had never been there before. I packed a bag and took the train, not even knowing where I was going to live. It was an adventure. I lasted two and a half years, made some pretty great friends and learned a lot about myself.

Carter: During my undergraduate degree, I spent a semester on exchange in Australia. When I wasn't studying, I was making friends with the locals, travelling the country on the cheapest flights I could find and winter camping in New Zealand (yes, it was just as cold as it sounds). I capped it all off with a quick solo trip to Indonesia on the way home. I learned a lot about myself and had the time of my life!

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Sara is a public relations student at Nova Scotia Community College and an alumna of St. Thomas University's journalism program.

Carter is a current public relations student at the Nova Scotia Community College and an alumnus of Dalhousie University’s International Development Studies program.