I never thought I’d be craving cold weather after years of basking in consistent 80-to-96-degree island temperatures. To some, it’s a dream; to a recent high school grad, change was needed. Yet there I was moving to … Florida.
Florida was my safe college choice — close enough to home but still a step toward independence. I began studying journalism, inspired by the media’s impact on my country. But as it often goes in communications, my junior year brought an unexpected change: public relations.
Moving to downtown Tampa was the best start to taking my career seriously. PR became my second nature, nurtured by inspiring peers and professors. But as senior year loomed, so did the anxiety about my post-grad life.
Sitting in a park near campus one day, I found myself thinking about the sweaters tucked away in my closet — reminders of past trips up north. I knew I wasn’t ready to return to Puerto Rico, but Florida no longer felt like the right fit. That night, during a Twilight movie session with friends, I found inspiration for my next destination. I revisited my Pinterest board and realized — most of my dream destinations were in the Pacific Northwest!
In a moment of ultimate decision-making, I decided to only apply for internships in Portland or Seattle. For about two to three months, I scoured, edited over 25 different resumes/cover letters and applied for every internship that showed “PR intern.”
Then an email came through. “How do you feel about tech?” my PRSA mentor asked. Before I could reply, he sent a link to The Hoffman Agency’s homepage. Suddenly, I was learning about the world of tech PR, pestering my professors for insights and creating detailed documents about the company.
The more I researched Portland, the more I fell in love. Its nature, history and even its rainy weather. So, there was also that benefit to the job opportunity.
Before I knew it, I was packing up my apartment, saying goodbye to my family and taking a 14-hour flight. Driving on the Hawthorne Bridge, finding myself quite emotional, I knew I had found a memorable destination.
Now, three weeks into my internship at Hoffman, I’m certain I made the right choice. The agency has exceeded my wildest expectations. I’ve found myself immersed in the work, eagerly catching up on agency activities and client projects. There’s an excitement in seeing our team’s work published and appreciated by clients. It’s proof of the impact we’re making.
Portland seems like someone designed a city specifically to coexist with nature. Its unique charm has brought me happiness I never knew I was missing.
As I continue navigating this new world of tech PR and life in the PNW, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. Both Hoffman and Portland have captured my heart, offering growth opportunities I never imagined. This journey from Puerto Rico to Florida to the Pacific Northwest has been more than just a change of scenery — it’s been a path to personal and professional discovery, leading me to a place where I can truly thrive.
