This past week I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic, It’s been 3 years since I graduated Curry College, and I’ve seen many tweets and posts from those graduating. I remember that feeling, the uncertainty, the excitement, and unfortunately the love but that’s for another blog. I remember after I graduated how cocky I was, how sure I was that In a matter of weeks a station would scoop me up…I told all my friends, “Well, if I’m around when that happens…” as time ticked by yeah, I was there for that. Not only was I there for that, I helped organize it... That summer after college, was tough, I spent most my time in my boxers, trying to re-establish friendships I wasn’t even sure wanted too…and when you trying to re-establish friendships in your boxers 8 out of 10 times you won’t. What I’m trying to say is that it’s was a rough summer, and the worst part you ask? No it wasn’t my mom walking in every day asking
“Same boxers from Tuesday eh?” When it was Friday, no it was realizing I had a tidal wave of debt, and not one radio station even giving me any love which meant…yep plan B…needless to say it, it was less than ideal…Read about that journey below …It sucks so bad I can’t even tell you..but what I can tell you is when you get that opportunity and you work your ass off, you shine in it, you own it, all with little or no praise…sometimes you’ll question yourself but one day you’ll actually be watching those boxers, in a laundry mat like I was, and have a moment that allows you to realize its worth every moment…
Doing laundry on a Saturday night has its benefits…1. When you check in on foursquare, all your friends will see how cool you are…It shows you plan ahead, and shows your mom you’re responsible…The drawbacks, your friends will see you checked in on foursquare and laugh at you. It actually shows you had no other time during the week to do it, as you worked pretty much 10 hours every day..and shows your mom she was actually right, which is the worse but something I see happening more and more on a daily basis. However the main truthful real benefit is that on a Saturday night you’re alone, you get the machines you want, you’re in and out, simple. Halfway through my solitary washing excursion, a blue Chevy Malibu pulls up. Out pops a woman in her 40’s. Her hair is frizzy; she’s wearing a blue shirt with blue mesh shorts bearing the Olympic logo, with blue crocs. I smile and think to myself, “They say the laundry mat is the best place to meet women.” Well it is, and to be honest I wanted to meet this women . Not for that, you sicko's but for a little research. I wanted to find out what her story was and how maybe I could apply it to the show. You can use all the show prep sheets you want, visit every website but nothing comes close about finding the pulse of your community than talking with strangers. The silence is tense between us. I didn’t identify myself…
“What an absolutely beautiful day..” I toolishly started the conversation.
“Why yes it was amazing” She replied…
I was in, I began my covert interview…I found out in just about 20 min, that she was a single mom, her son’s name, what sports he played…How tall he was, what she thought of the team he played on and that she was adopted. Then I got personal, I asked her what the sports and traveling meant on her personal budget…Her eyes welled, as she talked about the struggle of being a single mom wanting to support her son. We went deeper talking about the struggles of guiding her son to avoid drugs and alcohol…the struggles of wanting to reach other kids who weren’t so lucky. All on a cook’s salary. She was full of pride, for her son, for her life. Wanting the best, and doing her best.
I didn’t ask if she was a listener, I just sat there and listened to this unassuming super hero. Knowing there are many similar stories out there like hers…
Our conversation lingered as I folded my clothes. Midway through folding a T-Shirt from my college radio station 91.5 WMLN..(If I’m lying I’m dying on this) she walks by and says rather bluntly
“You’re on the radio aren’t you?”
I smiled “Yes I do the morning show on 93-3”
“I knew it! I KNEW I recognized your voice…I listen to you every morning, we work together…Well not really but every morning I listen at work...so we kind of do! ”
She continued to tell me about why she liked the show, how it had the right mix of everything…How she would often tell her co-workers to shut up when I was talking… How for 2 days when we had transmitter issues how it put her in such a mood her co workers remarked
“They better get back soon, you’re miserable” I smiled and continued to thank her as I finished folding my clothes and as I walked out the door, I shook her hand and our paths diverged.
I’m telling you this story not to boost my ego, but to make you aware of your words, and your presence and how much your sacrifice will matter. When people tell you that you help make their world better…It makes you think, and it allows you to grow as a personality.
Graduates, and young broadcasters everywhere as you strive to accomplish your dreams and your goals, take the time to listen along the way…Even if you are off the mic it’s important you ask questions to feel the pulse of people around you…It’s worth it and will help give you practice for the future when you are always interacting with listeners. You can’t control your work situation and the current job market…but you can control how ready you are, to succeed when you get there. You’ll do amazing things just keep at it, and keep realistic! I hope this post helped. I can tell you I feel truly blessed to be able to call this my profession…and I know you’ll feel the same.
