----------------------------------------people---------------------------------- LAU~ftBACH For six months, senior Lisa Lauterbach traveled the United States covering more than 33,000 miles and visiting more than 300 communities. Lauterbach took a sabbatical during the faU of 2003 and accepted the position as a Save A Life Tour Communicator for the American Red Cross. "This was the experience of a lifetime/' Lauterbach said. II At the age of 22, I have now seen more and done more than many people do in their entire lives." Lauterbach worked in several areas of communication while on toUT. She helped with public relations efforts, facilitated pre-event planning, organized day-of-event media management, arranged and gave interviews with media, donors, recipients and VIPs among other responsibilities. She also wrote weekly stories and took photographs for www.givelife.org. However, Lauterbach wasn't just using her brains "This was the on the road. She helped with setup and breakdown of events and the experience of a lifetime. At the age of 22, I have now seen more and done more than many people do their entire lives. " - senior Lisa Lauterbach interactive technology of the mobile museum. Dr. Jack Shock, associate professor of communication, approached Lauterbach last May with the idea of the internship. ·"1didn't know if I was ready to handle such a huge responsibility on my own or if I had the skills the job required," Lauterbach said. Not only did Lauterbach have the skills to perform the job, but she did so well the Red Cross offered her a full-time position after she graduated in May. "I feel so grateful that I chose to be a part of both the public relations departments and broadcast areas of the [communication] department," Lauterbach said. " I think my exposure to both broadcast and public relations makes me a wen-rounded job candidate and will allow me the flexibility I desire with my future career choices." The Save A Life Tour was the largest blood donor awa reness campaign in the history of the American Red Cross. Lauterbach noted the job's learning value, but was most impressed with what she learned about herself. "I would suggest that students get out of their comfort zones and take internships that will challenge and expose them to a world they've yet to experience," she said. "If at all possible, go somewhere other than home because [for me] learning to adjust to life on my own was one of the most beneficial parts of the experience." 60 ff people Senior Lisa Lauterbach demonstrates the interactive American Red Cross Mobile Museum in Buffalo, N.Y., in the fall. Lauterbach, a public relations major, spent the fall semester traveling as a Save a Ufe Tour Communicator for the Red Cross. (Photo by Jeff Montgomery)
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