And So It Begins....

Hey everyone,

Tessa Leschen here.

So today I (finally) started my PR placement at Therapy Focus. After much heart-break and rejection, I think I finally landed where I was supposed to. It all turned out to be a good thing though as:

a) I've grown a thick skin and am a pro at rejection now

b) I've landed a role which suits me to a tee

c) I now have other experiences (Chanel 9) and oppurtunities (Red Bull) under my belt.

So. Therapy Focus is a not-for-profit Gov organisation which provides services and support for Perth children with disabilities. I work in the PR dept, under the guidance of fabulous Heather and have an enormous level of responsibility - something which is unexpected and slightly daunting.

I am officially in charge of 'Sunny's Roadshow', a program which aims to educate primary school children about disability and inclusion. Today I called several schools, some recommended by Therapy Focus' ocupational therapists, others I researched myself, and asked whether they would like to recieve a visit from Sunny the Sunflower. Sunny is the Therapy Focus mascot, and basically the organisation's image - he is a giant sunflower. Throughout my placement, I will not only coordinate the Roadshow, but actually give the presentations.

As the Roadshow is now officially my 'baby', I also need to coordinate the volunteers and work on expanding the volunteer database. On this note: Anyone wishing to dress as a giant sunflower, entertain delighted children and be hugged mercilessly.... I'm your girl. Therapy Focus only have a very small volunteer database currently, and over the duration fo my placement, I hope to expand this significantly. Due to this fact, I will be wearing Sunny this Friday at my first assembly... I decided I'd watch Heather present first before I jumped in.

The other major aspect of my placement is helping with the organisation of Therapy Focus' biggest event 'Symphony of Sunflowers' or SOS for short. SOS will raise money through the selling and planting of sunflower seeds across WA. The sunflower is the flower of acceptance and inclusion (plus they're pretty) and by planting a Sunflower your showing your support for the disabled children of WA. Currently I'm creating media lists and lists of retirement villages and schools to send seeds to. We are also selling seeds at Waldecks, which Sunny will be visiting the next 2 Sundays.

There is so much more, but I think I will spread over a few blogs, rather than rant on and on. Overall, I'm really happy with my placement, and although it will be stressful completing it in such a short period, I think I will get more out of the experience, as I feel like a full time employee and really involved with the organisation.

Til next time....

Oh! And add Sunny Sunflower on Facebook! He's up with technology now!!!

Tessa