lotheburnetter-blog

[lotheburnetter-blog]

If you’re going to do something, do it well.

Tim Herrmann (aka Dad)

LO + Earnest = LEO

Earnest, a. Serious in intention, purpose, or effort; showing depth and sincerity of feeling; sincerely zealous

Because neither of my parents graduated from a four-year university, they have had to rely on their work ethics to bring them success and prosperity. For as long as I can remember, my dad has made a point to teach my brother and I that a task is not worth completing if you do not pursue it with serious intention, purpose, and effort. He and his father built their business from the ground- they literally built the building in which it is housed. I cannot think of a better role model or example of hard work and zeal. I am proud to have the opportunity to attend the University of North Carolina and I know that it was made possible by the work ethic I have adopted from my dad. From him, I have learned that the completion of a job or task without applying one’s full effort will not produce success, just as…

“A good ad which is not run never produces sales.” -Leo Burnett

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LO + Endurance = LEO

Endurance, n. The ability or strength to continue or last; stamina

Advertising is an ever-changing occupation. The key to success lies in the ability to evolve and transform in order to keep up with advances in technology and shifts in trends and popular interests. Determination to keep up with the times is necessary when working in such a dynamic field. It takes stamina and the strength to continue in order to stay motivated in a field that requires constant learning. Over the years, I have learned that the key to success in running lies in the ability to translate physical endurance into mental endurance. I believe that this endurance training is the source of my success in athletic, academic, and professional settings. This summer, I decided to sign up for the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon on the day before the race. I had spent most of my summer break in North Carolina, meaning running more than 3 miles after I got off of work in the afternoon was nearly impossible. Chapel Hill feels like it is uphill in every direction and the heat of that Southern sun at 2 o’clock in the afternoon is unbearable. Some days, when the temperature was in the hundreds and the humidity was at 70%, just walking to work left me out of breath and sweating. So, without serious training or preparation, I decided to take a risk and push myself to race. It’s amazing how powerful the mind is. When my body was screaming that it could no longer endure, my mind took over and carried me the last 3 miles to the finish line.

“There is no such thing as a permanent advertising success.” -Leo Burnett

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Three Years with my Best Buddy, Zach

LO + Empathetic = LEO

Empathetic, a. Characterized by the psychological identification with the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of others

https://bestbuddies.org

Me: Hey, Zach, I’m Lauren and I’m going to be your Best Buddy over the next few years. I’m so excited to be part of Best Buddies and I’m really looking forward to getting to know you!

Zach: …

Me: This Halloween party is really fun. Maybe we should try the mummy-wrapping game in the corner. Do you want me to make you a mummy first? Or do you want to try wrapping me with toilet paper?

Zach: …

Me: Or I guess maybe we could try the donut-eating contest instead.

-A few months later-

Me: Hey, Zach! Ready to go to Krispy Kreme? I know it’s your favorite.

Zach: Yeah, I’m ready.

Me: Okay, let’s go! Franklin Street is such a great place isn’t it? I mean there are so many options for food and shopping for Carolina gear. It’s such a nice day out. The perfect day for donuts and chocolate milk… Well I guess for you, everyday is a perfect day for donuts and chocolate milk, right?

Zach: Yep.

-Next year’s Halloween party-

Me: I’m so glad we decided to match costumes this year! We’re the best looking police officers in town, Zach!

Zach: I got you this princess sticker from the doctor’s office this morning. I picked it out because you’re my princess.

-After returning from my semester in Europe-

Me: Hey Mrs. Fields, do you happen to know whether or not Zach received any of my postcards from Europe? I promised to write, but I never heard back from him even though I know he said he wanted to try to send emails to keep in touch…

Zach’s mom: Hi, honey. I am so sad to tell you this, but Zach really struggled last semester while you were gone. He began to act out and became very aggressive. Obviously, this is so unlike the sweet, quiet Zach you know, so he spent a lot of time with doctors and psychologists throughout the past four months. They changed his diagnosis from autism to bipolar and they are still working on getting the medications right. I’m so sorry we didn’t tell you until now but we didn’t want you to worry. He may not be able to spend time with you one-on-one anymore, or at least until we get the dosage correct for his medications. And I want you to be prepared for the first time you see him again and be aware that he has changed.

-Two weeks ago-

Me: Zach! How ya feelin? You’re looking great. I have a surprise for you!

Zach: You wanna go play basketball or play with my dog collection?

Me: Can I show you my surprise first?

Zach: Okay, but then let’s go play some basketball.

Me: Will you go to Joy Prom with me?! You have to circle “yes” or “no” on this poster that I made you.

Zach: I already have my suit ready in my closet with my blue vest. You can wear a blue dress.

Zach Fields, my 21-year-old Best Buddy, has become a huge part of my life. We have spent time together weekly since the first semester of my sophomore year in college. The conversations above highlight the most challenging and rewarding interactions in our relationship. Our friendship has helped me to identify with the feelings and thoughts of someone who is different than I am. Empathy has always been one of my greatest strengths and most positive characteristics, yet my experiences as a College Buddy have given me the opportunity to further reflect on the role that empathy plays in my life.

“The work of an advertising agency is warmly and immediately human. It deals with human needs, wants, dreams and hopes. Its 'product' cannot be turned out on an assembly line. “-Leo Burnett

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LO + Experience = LEO

Experience, n. Knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what one has observed, encountered, or undergone

Curiosity is what drove me to take a risk and spend a semester abroad in Sevilla, Spain- curiosity about culture, about food, about the way of life on a different continent, about the family dynamics in a foreign city. Curiosity is what made possible the knowledge and practical wisdom I gained from what I observed and encountered. I believe that this type of curiosity driven experience is an essential part of every Burnetter’s skill set.

“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.” -Leo Burnett

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LO + Energy = LEO

Energy, n. Exertion of power; vigor

In my opinion, a better definition of energy would be: the Dean E. Smith Center (aka the “Dean Dome”) during a Carolina basketball home game. The student section comes alive from the first notes of “Jump Around” to the final “Go to hell Duke!” of our alma mater. The words more commonly associated with “student” are “academics” and “education”, however I would argue that the spirit of fun and vigor present in the Dean Dome at game time are equally as important in my experience as a student. The camaraderie and community that I have had the opportunity to be a part of and the fun I have had cheering for my team are the real reasons why my heart swells with pride when I say, “I’m Lauren Herrmann and I am a Tar Heel.”

“Creative ideas flourish best in a shop which preserves some spirit of fun. Nobody is in business for fun, but that does not mean there cannot be fun in business.” –Leo Burnett

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LO + Endeavor = LEO

Endeavor, v. To exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive

You told me to choose my favorite social media platform to brand myself as a Burnetter. I decided to take that idea as an opportunity to learn how to use a social media platform that I had very little experience with. I enjoy a challenge and I thrive when I am pushed out of my comfort zone. I embrace spontaneity and take risks when I feel that the potential gains are high and the situation is appropriate. I don’t settle and I can promise you that I will exert myself and strive until I am pleased with what my efforts have produced. I hope that after interacting with this tumblr account and reviewing my application, you’ll have a good idea of who I am, and what I have to offer. I also hope that you will understand why I am an ideal candidate for the content strategy internship. As for the “how to get it”, simply give me an opportunity to be a Burnetter and you wont be disappointed. Cheers!

“Advertising says to people, 'Here's what we've got. Here's what it will do for you. Here's how to get it.'” -Leo Burnett