Laura Brooks is applying for a position at the Tangipahoa Parish Library. She has a master's degree in Organizational Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University and is projected to graduate in May 2015. Brooks has experience in public relations, event planning, writing, and website design from her graduate assistantship and previous jobs. She values libraries and their important role in communities.

1. Laura Jewel Brooks
45487 Pointe Dr. • Hammond, LA 70401 •985-634-9671 • laura.brooks@selu.edu
Tangipahoa Parish Library
204 NE Central Avenue
Amite, LA 70422
March 25, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
In August of 2013, I began studying Organizational Communication at Southeastern Louisiana
University in the Master’s Degree Program. I am projected to graduate in May 2015. As a
graduate student, I chose to focus my studies on Public Relations because of my interest in a
career that involves being actively engaged with members of the community. I feel that my
desire to be in a field that celebrates creativity and the promotion of a worthy establishment fits
perfectly with the responsibilities and duties of this position.
My previous degree was also earned at Southeastern Louisiana University in Liberal Arts with a
double minor in English and Music. While focused on completing my requirements for this
degree, I found an appreciation for writing and creating. In my undergraduate career, I served as
an active member of campus organizations including Gamma Beta Phi, Women’s Chorale,
French Club, and University Chorus.
As Media Arts Operator at First United Methodist Church, I have garnered knowledge about
computer programs that can be used to create visuals for presentations. My experience in
working with many different computer programs in previous employment allows me adapt to
any new work environment that uses technology as the main tool for communication and
production. For class projects and previous jobs, I have had experience developing and editing
websites using HTML coding. In this ever-changing world of technology, I look forward to
continuing to learn more about website development and design.
Being the graduate assistant for Erin Moore Cowser, the Executive Director of Public and
Governmental Affairs at Southeastern Louisiana University during my time in graduate school,
has awarded me several enriching opportunities and experiences including writing articles for
Southeastern publications, event planning, and attending events representing the university.
I truly value library institutions, and I recognize the vital role the library plays in servicing the
public. Even as a small child, I cherished my trips to the local library, and I relished the
opportunity to choose a new book to read for the week. This led to a love and appreciation for
reading, even encouraging me to join the Library Club in middle school, one of my most
precious memories of childhood. Not only do I wish to have a prosperous career and well-

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rounded family in the future, I also desire to participate in organizations whose mission provides
assistance to those in need. I have been blessed with so many things in my life, and it is my
priority to constantly give back to the world in any way I can.
I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss how I can contribute to this great
organization.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Laura J. Brooks

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Laura Jewel Brooks
45487 Pointe Dr. • Hammond, Louisiana 70401 • 985-634-9671 • laura.brooks@selu.edu
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a position that will help build a career that covers several platforms in work related
fields that combine the uses of communication and writing to effectively run businesses and
organizations. This will ultimately prepare me for a career working in Public Relations, media
support, and/or professional development with a non-profit such as UNICEF, United Way,
Special Olympics, Public Radio, etc.
HIGHLIGHTS or QUALIFICATIONS
 Experienced in customer service on the phone and in person
 Technologically inclined with email services, Microsoft programs (Word, PowerPoint,
Excel) and MediaShout, and website design
 Familiar in using Social Media tools including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
YouTube for promotion
 Enjoys working with others to build a professional team
 Well-organized
EDUCATION:
 Southeastern Louisiana University, Master’s Program in Organizational Communication,
Aug. 2013, Fall 2013-present, 3.4 GPA, projected to graduate in May 2015.
 Southeastern Louisiana University, B. A. in Liberal Arts, Concentrations in English and
Music, August 2009-May 2013: TOPS and Progression Scholarships, Dean’s List,
Women’s Chorale, University Chorus, Overall GPA of 3.3.
 Albany High School, 2005-2009, Overall GPA 3.9, Dance Team 4 years, Band 4 years
EMPLOYMENT
 Media and Power Point Creator and Operator at First United Methodist Church of
Hammond, Website Manager of fumc-hammond.org, July 2013 to present
 Graduate Assistant of the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs under the direction
of Erin Moore Cowser, Executive Director, Southeastern Louisiana University, August
2013 to present
 Chief Information Officer and Switchboard Operator (student worker) at SLU of
Technology Services, April 2011- May 2013. Supervisor: Ms. Jacqueline Wagner
 Personal care attendant for client at TARC, 2010. Supervisor: Melody Sherrod

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PROJECTS
 Currently the Vice President of Best Buddies, an organization on campus that partners
college students with people of the community diagnosed with Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities to create friendships, heavily involved in event planning for
the organization, Fall 2013-present
 Designed and completed a training seminar for the Get Fit Kids Corner of Metairie, LA
that focused on the components of being a positive leader in the community. Spring 2014,
under the supervision of Dr. Leigh Ann Johnston as a required class assignment for
Comm 613.
 Successfully coordinated and developed a campaign promoting Earth Day as a
requirement for the Comm 621 class. Duties included strategizing who, what, when, and
where the event was to take place making contacts with outside and on-campus vendors.
 Journeyed to Johannesburg, South Africa to participate in a global mission to aid the
children of Epworth Children’s Village, July 2014-August 2014.
 Researched and wrote cover story for the 2014 publication of Southeastern Magazine
entitled, “Changing the Sound of Jazz.” This article featured the life of famous jazz
musician, Bill Evans, and his time and education spent at Southeastern Louisiana
University.
 Created a Media Kit for the Junior Auxiliary of Hammond used to promote the
organization as well as a fully functional website, www.jaofhammond.com. This was c
 ompleted in December 2014.
 Attended a meeting at the Hammond Chamber of Commerce shadowing Erin Moore
Cowser to gain experience with Event Planning, March 2014.