What’s up, everyone? My name is Pat O’Hagan. I’m 22 years old and I’m about to be a senior at Ramapo College of New Jersey. I’m tremendously thrilled and blessed to be an intern at DSM. I will graduate from Ramapo in the spring of 2018 with a degree in Communication Arts and a concentration in Global Communication, as well as a CIPL Business Essentials Certificate. Now that the basic introduction is out of the way, let me tell you a little bit more about me, even though I really don’t like to talk about myself.
Ok “Pat”, what else ya got?
I have a tough time sitting still, so I am always on the move and constantly looking to have fun. I love to exercise as much as I can and I just recently picked up the “golf bug.” I enjoy socializing with my tight knit group of guy friends that I have been super close with ever since the second grade. We all played football, basketball and baseball together and now that we’ve all peaked, we usually go to concerts, go out to bars and golf together.
What’s most important to you, “Pat”?
There is nothing more valuable to me than my family. I‘m so fortunate to have amazing parents that have shaped me into the person I am today. When I was younger, I didn’t understand why my parents were strict, hard and demanding towards my siblings and I. As I grew up, I realized that my parents had a reason for everything. Their intentions, demands, strict rules and orders were all done out of love. I was punished and reprimanded many times by my parents when I was younger (I deserved it — I was a clown.), but I thank them all the time for everything they’ve done. My parents taught me how to be respectful, kind and honest; I’m exceedingly grateful for that. I’m also fortunate to have my two best friends: my sister and brother. I have an older sister who sets a great example of how to be kind to everyone and a younger brother who always was and still is, my partner in crime (we’re not felons).
How’d you get here, “Pat”?
To be honest, I sometimes ask myself that question. I’m not big on talking about this, but about three years ago, during the summer after my first year at SUNY Cortland as a Redshirt freshman football player, I suffered a traumatic brain injury. I fractured my skull, which caused massive brain bleeding and swelling that led to an immediate emergency surgery. My chances of living and making a full recovery were slim. Due to all the support from my friends and family, I beat some incredible odds. Without all the generous and amazing people who assisted my family and me along the way, there is no way I would be where I am today.
After missing a full year of college due to surgeries, recovery and rehabilitation, I transferred to Ramapo College. College football was out of the picture and I wanted to focus on doing the best I could academically. This experience made me learn the true definition of hard work, determination and how to always keep a positive mindset. Many people did not even think I was going to get back into school, but determination and work ethic overcome doubt. I am happy every day I am on my two feet and that I received the opportunity to jump into an amazing agency like DSM.
What I’m all about!
I am all about hard work, not being afraid to fail and appreciating every day. In any task, whether it is school work, sports or a job, I believe in giving 100% effort. My father always told me to not be afraid of failure. A strong work ethic eliminates fear, so if you put in the work, what is there to fear? You know what you’re capable of and you know you can accomplish the tasks at hand. Confidence is the key.
I was fortunate enough to come across DSM. I learned about their unique marketing styles, through the DSM website, and through word of mouth. After meeting with Diller, Darren, and Dan, I was educated more about what happens within the office, assuring I would be a good fit as an intern. DSM’s expertise, built by all the members of the agency, is what I am looking forward to contributing to during my time here.
