There is an angel out there

The job was to assist with two launches and take over a huge account. Time frame - one month.

I applied to be that angel and became the successful applicant. The hours were long - as is with any PR position - and the challenges were enormous. However, the rewards were too many to mention.

I've been in public relations for the better part of eight years. I was taught by the best, met very interesting people in various industries and I thought I knew all there was to know about the PR.

However, over the past month, I learnt what it was like to coordinate a two day film shoot, I encountered the difficulties a TV show goes through while putting a programme together, I coached students on how to be interviewed by the media, I got involved with Zola at 7, coordinated a campaign, wrote numerous press releases, assisted on both the launches, was interviewed on a radio station and by a number of publications. I met Minister Kadar Asmal, Minister Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka as well as South Africa's Brightest Young Minds. I learnt about a TV network and had the opportunity to get back into financial PR. I spent time in Soweto and Alexandra townships and I had the honour to be in a room with 300 other guests as we listened to Nelson Mandela give a speech.

But that was the one side of it. I spent countless hours with the future of our country - the students at CIDA City Campus. They taught me what privilege is all about. What it means to give unconditionally and to strive for happiness and success in all spheres of life. They taught me about courage, understanding, unity, commitment, trust, passion and loyalty.

I sat in an Action Reflection Learning workshop while 25 fourth year students presented ways on increasing market share to four corporate institutions. I listened as two of the companies were so impressed with the students' findings that they are going to implement the processes into their respective organisations.

I never realised that one person could have as much pride in oneself as I had in me that day and I watched as these individuals demonstrated their philosophy - if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything.

I'm fortunate that I was selected for the position otherwise I wouldn't have had that opportunity to learn, grow and be the best angel I could possibly be.