We’re about to get into our taxi to JFK to fly back to PDX and I think I couldn’t be less excited. This trip has been the highlight of my college experience up to this point. While getting to see awesome agencies that I’d love to work at was amazing, my favorite part of the NYC experience was easily getting to meet and hangout with so many of my classmates that I hadn’t gotten the chance to get to know before. I just wish this trip had been earlier in the year because I feel like I made so many new friends and it really sucks how little time together we have left.
I saw first hand the true reach and strength of the UO advertising alumni network this week when every time I walked into an agency, someone at the agency was raving about Deb and the program and ½ the time it was a U of O alum giving us the presentation. The bonding that took place this week and the fun we all had together is all a part what makes that network possible. When I make it in this industry, I’m going to do my part to strengthen the program, give back any way I can, and keep building the network. I’m going to do this because I freaking love this advertising family. This group is filled with the most interesting, creative, weird, talented, brilliant, ridiculous, and unique people I’ve ever met in my life and especially after this week, I want to stay connected to these people and I want to help each other out.
That was a blast, I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Casey Hickman