I’ll be the first to admit that growing up I was a late bloomer when it came to getting involved with social media. I was not a MySpace kid and I joined Facebook a lot later than most everyone around me. However, my life transformed when I really began interacting with these platforms. Now I have an ever-growing presence on the majority of the large social media venues, especially Twitter, which I would say has been the most impactful on my life.

Social media has connected me to my friends and family. I have a lot of family members that live across the country. Being involved with these platforms has made them feel like family again. Today (January 29^th) is my birthday and social media has allowed these people to interact with me and help make this day special. Social media has also helped me build a brand and create a network with professionals in my field. In today’s media job market, it’s not only important to know how to be effective on social media, but its critical to use it to spread your name.

Another aspect of social media that has really changed my life is its ability to share information instantly. Twitter has allowed me stay up to date with not just sports but news as well and it has exponentially made me a more knowledgeable and diverse person. I am (sadly) a huge Cowboys fan. When Tony Romo got hurt during the preseason Twitter kept me informed.

Sources: Cowboys QB Tony Romo to miss 6-10 weeks after MRI reveals broken bone in his back https://t.co/GclsjZMAPS via @sportsdaydfw

— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 27, 2016

Per source, look for his return Oct. 30 vs. Phi ->Cowboys QB Tony Romo out indefinitely with broken bone in his back https://t.co/sGiSfZCv7O

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 27, 2016

Outside of sports, during the election period, social media allowed me to not only have a voice but also get critical information. Social media is a staple in my life and it has not only opened doors, but helped me become a better person.