The mass communication department had the opportunity to invite Tiesa Leggett, project coordinator for the Blue Zones Project, to Dr. Carol Johnson-Gerendas’ MCO 2342 Communication and Rhetoric class on Sept. 19.

During the visit, Leggett informed the class on what public relations skills she uses to do her job. From making quick critical thinking decisions to effective writing techniques, the students learned what a PR professional looks and sounds like. Leggett specializes in community relations, problem mitigation and program outreach.

Dr. Johnson-Gerendas met Leggett when they were both on the advisory board for the Fort Worth Young Women’s Leadership Academy, and they have been friends ever since.

“Tiesa brought her energy and experience to the classroom with a dynamic message for students to passionately pursue their dreams,” Professor Johnson-Gerendas, said. “And through hard work, she told them, their dreams would come true.”

The Blue Zones Project makes healthy choices easier by impacting environment, policy and social networks. As a result, people can live longer, better lives, and communities can lower health care costs, and boost national recognition as a great place to live, work and play.

After Leggett’s visit, four mass communications students – sophomore Hannah Onder, junior Gloria Andrade-Borja, junior Massey Kromah and sophomore Elena Maldonado – volunteered at Trimble Tech as part of a Blue Zones Youth Project.

There, Andrade-Borja and the other students asked the children questions about how to live a healthy lifestyle, and they replied with their answers.

“I learned that the young students knew what they wanted,” Andrade-Borja, said. “They want to live a healthy life and to see that from our youth is a great sign for our future.”