When Nasutsa Mabwa with McCaffery Interests asked me to get involved with EPIC Academy, a charter high school near the Lakeside site in South Shore, my response was, "Sure - I'd be happy to help."  I had no idea at the time what a wonderful experience it would be. 

EPIC Academy organizes "Learning Intensives" for its students, giving them direct exposure to a variety of private sector businesses.  The first part of the program is visiting a classroom to talk about your business, your career path, and what it takes to succeed, offering insights and advice along with way.  The kids were attentive and curious, absorbing every word and asking great questions.  My favorite question was, "Mrs. Johnson, do you plan to take Taylor Johnson global?"  Hmmm...I do like the idea of Taylor Johnson, Paris division... 

Then, it was our turn to host.  The class took a bus to Taylor Johnson for a tour of our office, a presentation by our staff and a hands-on workshop on how to conceive, write and pitch a good story or idea. 

The students did so well with their writing and pitching, they each received a "Taylor Johnson PR Intern Extraordinaire" medal.  It was endearing to see how excited these 15-year-olds were about the medals and their "graduation" of Public Relations 101- so sweet! 

If you have the time and inclination, spending a couple afternoons with the students at EPIC Academy is an experience I would highly recommend.  It was gratifying for me, my staff, and the kids. Maybe one of these budding publicists will be a future Taylor Johnson account executive...in our Paris division.