A Day in the Life of S&Co Fall Interns
Get to know our newest team members, fall interns Mohammed, Rachel, Ciara, Kayla, Brody and Judith! This month, our “Day in the Life” series takes a look at the lives of our interns, who attend an array of schools in the Los Angeles area. Find out everything from their TV show recommendations to their travel plans and culinary preferences in our latest blog post.
Mohammed Algharaballi
Q: Tell our newsletter readers a little bit about yourself.
A: My name is Mohammed but everyone calls me ‘Mo.’ I’m from Kuwait and have lived in the UK and US as well. I went to university in the UK for 2 years while playing soccer for Eccleshill United before transferring to Loyola Marymount University and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Global Business degree at Pepperdine University. I’ve developed an interest in hiking and try to hike every weekend, if possible.
Q: What has been your most memorable college class?
A: The most memorable college class I had was Marketing Psychology at LMU. It was really interesting to learn about how the human mind works while making purchases and finding ways to market to those needs.
Q: Do you have a must-watch TV show?
A: Game of Thrones & Friends
Q: Most cherished meal?
A: Sushi
Q: Is there a dish you like to make yourself?
A: I try to be healthy (at times) and cook chicken breast with rice and veggies
Q: If you could live with only one: Instagram, Facebook or Twitter?
A: Instagram
Q: Walk us through a day that you have to yourself or a day off.
A: I either go to the gym or try to swim at my apartment complex. If there are any NFL, NBA, or soccer games on, I’m usually on the couch watching them. If not, I try to play sports when I can. Other days, I’ll try to go out and eat out in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills. I spend a lot of my free time watching movies and TV shows.
Q: Favorite city to visit?
A: Bodrum, Turkey. It’s a city on the southern coast of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. I’ve been there twice and would love to go there again. It’s a lovely place with a rich history and beautiful beaches.
Q: What’s your go-to workout?
A: I prefer playing sports rather than working out whenever I can. But if not, then my go-to workout would be HIIT.
Q: Best part about interning at S&Co so far?
A: I’ve enjoyed working with clients and getting in touch with the PR world, since I haven’t had a lot of PR experience in the US. S&Co has shown me the behind-the-scenes aspects of working in the PR world. I’ve been given the opportunity of creating promotional materials for clients, which has been the perfect mixture of public relations and marketing.
Rachel DeSimone
Q: Tell our newsletter readers a little bit about yourself.
A: I’m currently a 25-year-old student studying Journalism. When I’m not studying, I love to write, read, spend time outdoors, workout, and discover ways to live a healthy lifestyle. I’m a travel junkie, so I’m always taking advantage of any chance I get to hop on a plane and explore a new place or city. I have a natural curiosity for life and I’m passionate about many things; animals, coffee, good conversations, the seasons, and adventures that create the best memories. I tend to nerd-out on philosophical topics related to the universe and energy.
Q: What has been your most memorable college class?
A: Definitely my World Religions East class I took a few years ago. My professor’s passion for teaching was infectious and inspiring. I learned so much about mindfulness, Buddhism, and living in the present moment. I find myself reflecting back to the teachings of that class on almost a daily basis.
Q: Do you have a must-watch TV show?
A: If I could pick one TV show to watch, it would be Family Guy! I’ve actually seen every episode and it’s impossible to watch that show without laughing.
Q: Most cherished meal?
A: Does a smoothie bowl count as a meal? If so, I for sure cannot live without my daily smoothie bowls! It’s an addiction of mine.
Q: Is there a dish you like to make yourself?
A: If I’m cooking, which isn’t too often these days, I love to make Asian-inspired meals such as Sushi or Pad-Thai.
Q: If you could live with only one: Instagram, Facebook or Twitter?
A: Instagram, hands-down!
Q: Walk us through a day that you have to yourself or a day off.
A: Sunday’s are usually my days to unwind and by far my favorite day of the week. During my ideal day, I’d wake up and go through my usual morning routine: write 3 things I am grateful for, 10 minutes of meditation then 10 minutes of yoga, make a green smoothie, then plan out my day/create a to-do list. After that, I like to spend the rest of the free time getting inspired by either going for a walk, reading, spending time with family, or writing. At some point, I make sure to get a workout in and do a little pampering.
Q: Favorite city to visit?
A: Either Chicago, because I grew up there, or New York City!
Q: What’s your go-to workout?
A: Definitely running! It’s so therapeutic to just put on headphones, spend time outside in nature, and sort out my thoughts with each step.
Q: Best part about interning at S&Co so far?
A: I’ve really just enjoyed learning about the day-to-day tasks of working in a PR firm! There’s always something new happening in the office and it’s never the same each day. Plus, everyone here is so kind and eager to help the interns, which makes the work very enjoyable.
Ciara Freeman
Q: Tell our newsletter readers a little bit about yourself.
A: I am a sophomore and Gates Millennium Scholar majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Theatre Arts at Loyola Marymount University. Originally from the east coast (Virginia Beach,) I’m an only child, my mother is my best friend, and I adore cats. In my limited free time, I love writing for my online publication, travelling internationally, practicing yoga, and discovering new recipes.
Q: What has been your most memorable college class?
A: Definitely “Voice Development” with Dr. Catharine Christof. As an aspiring actress and current Communication major, I’ve learned that public speaking is a necessary skill that can be perfected through proper breathing techniques. We spend the class focusing on Ujjayi breathing, empowering body movements, and monologue practice all while remaining in the present.
Q: Do you have a must-watch TV show?
A: I recently started watching Game of Thrones after hearing too many positive reviews about the show. Needless to say, I’m already halfway through the entire series in just a few weeks; the storyline is addictive and its writing is captivating.
Q: Most cherished meal?
A: Being from the south, I appreciate nice home-cooked meals similar to those eaten during the holidays. My favorite foods are Italian or anything with carbs; I love pesto pastas, margherita pizzas, and freshly baked breads complete with a crisp salad and sweet gelato for dessert.
Q: Is there a dish you like to make yourself?
A: I’ve been told that one of my best dishes is my blueberry cobbler. I bake it with a nice cinnamon streusel on top to form a warm golden-brown crust and top it with cold vanilla ice cream.
Q: If you could live with only one: Instagram, Facebook or Twitter?
A: Instagram, all the way. As a visual learner and someone who adores photography and travelling, I love catching a glimpse of others’ lives through photos. Instagram is lifestyle blogger haven.
Q: Walk us through a day that you have to yourself or a day off.
A: I’d wake up at 10am and scroll through Instagram or watch a few YouTube videos, do morning yoga, catch up with friends and messages, ride my bike to visit Playa Vista’s farmer’s market, eat lunch at Marmalade Café, catch a movie and get dinner at the Cheesecake Factory just because.
Q: Favorite city to visit?
A: New York City. I call it my soul city because the energy is awesome, the people are generally unfazed, the theater productions are fantastic, it’s the perfect shopping destination, and the food is endless.
Q: What’s your go-to workout?
A: Although I typically go to my school’s gym, my favorite workout is pilates or yoga. I also enjoy getting outdoors for a bike ride or hike in the mountains.
Q: Best part about interning at S&Co so far?
A: I love getting to interact with the fabulous all-female staff, the other interns with whom I’ve formed great working relationships with, and the awesome health & lifestyle brands that S&Co features as clients! Gaining valuable experience in PR is also a plus.
Kayla Gill
Q: Tell our newsletter readers a little bit about yourself.
A: My name is Kayla and I am a sophomore at Loyola Marymount University. I am pursuing a double major in communications and psychology.
Q: What has been your most memorable college class?
A: My most memorable college class is Advanced Public Communication! I was not a big fan of public speaking before this class; however, this class has brought me out of my comfort zone and made me more confident!
Q: Do you have a must-watch TV show?
A: I don’t watch a lot of TV but one of my favorite TV shows that I watch is the bachelor!!
Q: Most cherished meal?
A: Sushi!! My favorite roll is a Philadelphia roll (which is salmon, cream cheese, and avocado) and I add macadamia nuts.
Q: Is there a dish you like to make yourself?
A: My favorite dish that I make a lot is avocado and quinoa kale salad! It is easy, fast, and yummy to make.
Q: If you could live with only one: Instagram, Facebook or Twitter?
A: Definitely Instagram! Most of my friends also use Instagram the most so it is easier to stay in touch on this platform.
Q: Walk us through a day that you have to yourself or a day off.
A: A day off for me is spent at the beach, eating, and shopping! One of my favorite places to do this is Manhattan Beach because there are lots of cute shops and restaurants! One of my favorite places to eat there is Love & Salt.
Q: Favorite city to visit?
A: My favorite city to visit is New York, New York! I love how there is so much to do there from amazing food to Broadway shows to museums!
Q: What’s your go-to workout?
A: My go-to workout is cardio, ab exercises, and stretching. I also love Soul Cycle!
Q: Best part about interning at S&Co so far?
A: The best part of interning at S&Co is getting to work with a variety of health and wellness clients! I also have loved learning more about what the everyday work of a Public Relations Firm looks like.
Brody Palan
Q: Tell our newsletter readers a little bit about yourself.
A: Hi Stanton & Co followers! My name is Brody Palan and I am a junior economics major film/television minor at UCLA. I was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri, and just moved out here to go to school. In my free time I love both watching and playing pretty much any sport, working out, going to the beach or trying new restaurants around LA. I could not be more excited for this opportunity to be interning with Stanton&Co.
Q: What has been your most memorable college class?
A: Comm 1: The Art of Public Speaking. My professor was this quirky wise old man who would spew deep thoughts at us and somehow made a class of 30 unique people all become friends.
Q: Do you have a must-watch TV show?
A: Game of Thrones!
Q: Most cherished meal?
A: A homecooked breakfast of bacon and pancakes (but most importantly bacon).
Q: Is there a dish you like to make yourself?
A: I can marinate and cook up a mean filet.
Q: If you could live with only one: Instagram, Facebook or Twitter?
A: Insta, no doubt.
Q: Walk us through a day that you have to yourself.
A: Sleep in late, watch some college football while eating a delicious breakfast (with bacon included in some capacity). Then there would definitely be some sort of workout or lift as well as a trip to the beach to catch some sun. As long as I’m surrounded by my friends I’d be a happy camper
Q: Favorite city to visit?
A: London
Q: What’s your go-to workout?
A: Lately I have actually gotten very into bikram, or hot yoga. Honestly, I’ve never been as sore from or sweat as much in a workout as I have in hot yoga. Don’t knock it till you try it!
Q: Best part about interning at S&Co so far?
A: I love the team dynamic of the office. It seems like everyone is somewhat working together towards the same goals. It also seems like everyone here really wants us to get something out of this internship and make personal developments as well, which makes for a really conducive work environment.
Judith Venegas
Q: Tell our newsletter readers a little bit about yourself.
A: My name is Judy, I’m 23 and I am LA born & raised. I am a current senior at Dominguez Hills (Go Toro’s!), majoring in PR and Advertising and will be graduating this Fall 2017.
Q: What has been your most memorable college class?
A: My most memorable college class has been PR writing! I enjoy writing so learning and writing press releases and composing a media kit at the end of the semester was my favorite!
Q: Do you have a must-watch TV show?
A: Jane the Virgin!!
Q: Most cherished meal?
A: Anything with pasta!!
Q: Is there a dish you like to make yourself?
A: Spaghetti, hands down!
Q: If you could live with only one: Instagram, Facebook or Twitter?
A: Instagram!
Q: Walk us through a day that you have to yourself or a day off.
A: Typically, if I’m not running errands or have any homework, I love to binge-watch and catch up on my favorite shows!
Q: Favorite city to visit?
A: I haven’t traveled much but I’d love to go to New York!
Q: What’s your go-to work out?
A: I like doing simple things like jogging by the beach or bike riding on the weekends!
Q: Best part about interning at S&Co so far?
A: The best part about interning here is that S&Co has given me the opportunity to express what kind of work I’d like to focus on and for me, it being PR, S&Co has given me a variety of different tasks that allow me to continue to grow and most importantly, learn.