Notes

Throughout my life, I've been an observer. One of the things I observed the most often were commercials. Advertising in the 21st. Century has become a staple of everyday life. It's almost an entirely sensory experience—you hear it on the radio, see it on a billboard, taste it in the chocolate you were told was rich and smooth on that TV spot. I never understood why, but whenever I watched TV, I was more entertained by the commercial breaks than anything else. Over time, it had become an ever-increasing inspiration of mine to be part of that movement, entertaining others through advertising.

But I also have heard throughout my life many testimonials of the several stigmas of advertising. Some say that every ad played is only a sham. They say that ads only appealed to those who are persuaded too easily—those who would go to a BMW dealer thinking they'd get the bargain of the century, which they would, but they'd wind up being miserable in the cheaper, less optioned model knowing they could be sitting in a Camry that offered a lot more for the same money. 

Others say that commercials are simply too boring. As hard as some agencies try, they never seem to hit the nail on the head when it comes to worthwhile advertising. Despite me being often entertained by televised campaigns, I know I sometimes see this as true, especially in the case of radio spots. There are few radio ads that I find intriguing, and whenever the commercial break comes on, I feel inclined to tune to a different station, even if it's playing a song I don't necessarily enjoy.

Nonetheless, I appreciate advertising and its presence in American culture. And seeing what needs to be improved within the industry gives me a greater sense of purpose. Through an education in advertising, I aspire to eliminate the stigmas mentioned previously and make advertising a fun, more fulfilling experience for all. This will not only improve the business of advertising agencies and their clientele, but also the lives of their audiences, making their lives less bleak. If advertising is a staple of everyday life, why have it be comprised of mundane copywriting and lackluster personality? I see an education in advertising as the opportunity for me to make this otherwise.