I am blessed to have a life-long friendship with former student Kris Jones. Kris is a 2007 Towson grad with a degree in Mass Comm, PR track. After graduation, Kris went to North Carolina where he had a successful and lucrative career in pharmaceutical sales. While in Raleigh, he also met and married his best friend, Leigh. He was happy and successful, living the good life.
But something was missing in his career. Kris is also known as the ultimate fan of the Baltimore Ravens football team. He regularly traveled to Ravens games, despite having a heavy work-related travel schedule. The more he pursued his passion for the Ravens, the more he realized that what he wanted to do with his life and career centered on this purple-clad NFL team.
He knew what he had to do. He quit his job, moved back to Baltimore, and became a journalist with Ravens 247. He turned his passion for the Ravens into his career.
As a result of this bold action, he has never been happier. Although he works 12 to 14 hours a day, he loves every minute. “I never get tired of it,” Kris says. “I am living proof that you can turn your obsessions, your passions, into a viable career.”
Recently, Kris took time away from his work to speak to Towson’s Student PR Group, an organization composed of IABC and PRSA student chapters. Kris’ low key, personable, and motivational presentation style was a huge hit with members. PR students can easily relate to Kris, because only a few years ago, he sat in their same classes. Many PR track students are interested in sports marketing and PR, and Kris is proof that your dreams can come true.
However, Kris will quickly tell you that, to accomplish your dreams, you have to make it happen. “It takes hard work, dedication, and above all, the courage and willingness to take risks,” Kris says.
“I am so blessed to be able to follow my dreams and to have the love of my life, Leigh, with me on this incredible journey,” Kris says. “I had always hoped that one day I could do what I love, and now I am. I can’t wait to work every day now that I am doing what I love to do.”
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