Patricia Quigley! You must know thousands of people, or at least thousands of people know you! Whether you taught them at Rowan University, interviewed them for Girlfriendz Magazine or featured them in a press release you crafted for Rowan, your creative spirit, journalistic gifts and love of communicating shines. Do you view yourself as a communicator? Journalist? Or are you just a people person?
First and foremost, career-wise anyway, I consider myself a writer. Today, I work full time in public relations for Rowan University in Glassboro. But I also periodically freelance for a newspaper and a couple of magazines, from a religious publication to a Boomer one to a tech magazine. I love journalism and PR and essays and tech writing and short fiction and more. I love most types of writing and have tried my hand at numerous genres. Forget scriptwriting, though – it’s never going to happen. As for people, yes, I adore getting to know people; well, most people. I hope I am a people person, because if not, well, what’s left? Plus, I think everyone has a story, and half the time I am itching to unearth that story.
What are the three biggest mistakes most people make when it comes to communicating? Relying on texting or emails? Not crafting their thoughts appropriately? Not nurturing professional correspondence? Quite like this question...not getting to the point fast enough? Thoughts?
Hmm, well, I’ll start with one of my own: not listening enough. Sometimes I get so involved in a topic that I rush in with comments when I should hold my tongue. I’m not the only one who does that, I’m sure. And it can be a real barrier to communicating. Other mistakes I think people make: Getting across what they think people want or need to hear as opposed to what people really want or need to hear. Poorly structured writing.
Why do you love to write?
What a lovely question. I could go on for days, I really could. Writing is magical. I love playing with words. I love stories – my own, other people’s, worlds I get to create when I write fiction. I am insatiably curious by nature. I like to explore what makes people tick. I like to learn about a lot of topics that I’ll never master or that would never be a prime interest of mine. Writing lets me do that. Plus – a little confession here – writing gives me a license to ask questions and explore, and I get to meet some really cool people. (Shorthand: I can be legitimately nosy.) You contribute to Girlfriendz Magazine. Tell us about some of the more interesting pieces you have contributed. What sticks with you?
Well, a highlight was meeting and interviewing (via email) author Lisa Scottoline, whom I have long read. I’m a big fan, and she is very sweet. After that, I think my favorite piece was a column on my grandmother’s meatballs. I’m half Italian – meatballs and grandmothers carry a lot of weight with me.
Do you feel Girlfriendz Magazine strikes a chord with women in South Jersey? Why?
Oh absolutely. The magazine touches on topics that directly impact Boomer women’s lives. Plus, the publication is a lot of fun – editor Tobi Schwartz Cassell coordinates special events throughout the tri-county region that draw a lot of attendees – over and over again.
You are probably the greatest cheerleader of Rowan University! Your work in the communications department of Rowan University is well known throughout South Jersey. What has life at Rowan been like for you?
After almost 15 years at Rowan, I say the same thing I said during Year 1: I’m glad I didn’t start working there when I was in my 20s because I would have come and I would have stayed for my whole career – it’s a fabulous place to work. But I needed to be at those other places I worked, including several newspapers, and they prepared me very well for Rowan. I get bored very easily, and I think I’ve been bored one day since I got to Rowan. There is always something interesting going on – whether it’s a new initiative or research or a good human interest story. The best thing for me – it’s a very diverse environment in every sense of the word and it provides great learning opportunities. I’m surrounded by some really bright people working and teaching in areas that are not my field, and just by interviewing them or serving on committees with them I learn by osmosis. What an opportunity! The other thing I have loved about Rowan from Day 1 is that it really is “family.” No place is perfect of course, but I have found that people there really care not just about students, not just about learning, but about colleagues and community as well.
Would you rather read a book or listen to music?
Depends on the book and the music!
Would you rather sit on the beach on a sunny summer afternoon or lecture 300 avid journalism hopefuls in a glorious educational theater for two hours?
I’d rather sit on the beach on a sunny summer afternoon talking with 300 avid journalism students. Make it 30 – then we can have a real exchange and I won’t have to share so much Johnson’s popcorn.
What advice can you give to young people just starting out in their careers? What nugget of communications wisdom will help them in their daily tasks and, perhaps, even long-term strategies?
First, if you didn’t intern, do it. Do it now. Second, you will have to pay your dues, and sometimes that’s a pain. Get over it. We all did it. Those not-quite-right, crummy-paying jobs teach you something, form character and give you a good story or two to tell in middle age. Third, don’t assume you are a better writer when you get something right on the first draft. You NEVER get something right on the first draft. Guaranteed. Editing isn’t a mark of failure; it’s a mark of intelligence. Fourth and more, work hard, volunteer, network, help others without expectation of a payback, get to know people’s kids’ names, show respect to subordinates as well as superiors.
Please share one of you favorite quotes. Why is this special to you?
I have so many more than one.
To start:
Religious: Isaiah 12:2: “God indeed is my savior. I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and He has been my savior.” That passage got me through a very difficult period in my life and is foundational.
Family: “Let your conscience be your guide” and “If you’re going to dance to the music, you’re going to have to pay the piper.” My mom and dad, respectively, said these to me when I was a kid. They stuck.
Music: “It ain't no sin to be glad you’re alive” and “God have mercy on a man who doubts what he’s sure of.” They’re Bruce. They’re right on target.
My own: “Life is what you make of it.”
Pat...what is your favorite magazine. We know you adore Girlfriendz Magazine, so that one is a given! What do you enjoy reading on pleasant afternoons, when you have a moment to yourself?
They vary, but besides Girlfriendz, I love travel magazines, Southern Living, Reader’s Digest and whatever is handy!
You are truly a person of merit and contribution, Pat, and your writing has touched the lives of many in South Jersey. Who has touched your life in some way? A mentor. A friend. An author. Who is a person you regard as a person of merit? And why?
You are very kind. I’ll get all hokey with this, but I can’t think of any better role models, any better people than my own parents – kind, strong, generous, smart, funny, God-fearing, family-oriented. I was/am really blessed by them.
Marie Alonso, special editorial contributor to Consumption Conversations, enjoyed greatly bringing Patricia Quigley's wonderful thoughts on communicating to this very wonderful Q&A. Patricia Quigley is an award-winning public relations practitioner and journalist, proud South Jersey girl and middle-of-the-pack Boomer. She holds a BA in communications and an MA in writing from Rowan University and has written for local, regional, national and international media.
To learn more about Rowan University, where Pat is a true rockstar, visit Rowan University today at www.rowan.edu. NOTE: Marie Alonso is a graduate of Rowan University too, small world!
To view Pat's most recent column in Girlfriendz Magazine, go http://www.girlfriendzmag.com/2013/05/suddenly-were-on-other-side-of-generation-gap/
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