My Journey In Radio and How It Shaped Me.

Of all careers, why did I always desire to become a Radio/ T.V. Personality?

When most kids are asked what they want to be when they grow up, they usually respond with hopes in becoming a Doctor, Nurse, or a Teacher. I on the other hand, always had an interest in the media. I remember watching a show on MTV with my Mom called, "Run's House". Well in the show Angela Simmons was interning with a very popular magazine company called "Word Up". I asked my Mom, "what is it that she does" and my mom said, "she's a journalist." At that moment, I knew I wanted a career in media. 

​About a year later, I fell in love with Lala Anthony who was a VJ on the hit show MTV TRL (Total Request Live). I expressed to my Mom at an early age when I grew up that was the job for me. I always admired how Lala was a black woman who was always interviewing the hottest celebrities and wearing the best clothes! I mean, who doesn't want a job on national television, the latest clothes, and to top it off, be able to meet and become friends with celebrities at the same time? At the age of 9 I finally knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and I was determined to follow in LaLa's Footsteps. 

 I did my research, and realized that LaLa in fact, began her career in radio while she was living in Atlanta, GA. I also realized that Wendy Williams was a radio personality before having a T.V. show, as well as Terrence J and Rosci Diaz from 106 and Park on B.E.T. I soon realized that most likely I would also have to start in Radio too. 

​

The Time Is Now! 

When I began my second year of college I decided to stop waiting, and to take the opportunity to produce and start my own radio show. I met a friend the year before on campus and we both shared common interest in having a show on campus. At ODU, the radio station was named "WODU Studios" and it was streamed online. Bray'n and I decided to name our show "A&B Conversation" and we played mostly R&B and Hip Hop music, with a lot of girl chat! The show was pretty amazing and we had a lot of fun producing and co hosting the show together. 

In fact, A&B Conversation ended up winning the rising star award at the end of the year banquet and we were really proud of ourselves! That experience reassured me that I was in the right field and that I needed more experience. A&B Conversation sadly ended soon, but Bray'n and I actually ended up working on bigger and better opportunities. Bray'n now actually co hosts a radio show called, "Straight Talk No Chaser" with one of our previous WODU Studios colleagues. I on the other hand, began a radio career in ministry, which was a huge 360 turn for myself! 

Gospel Radio

 I have stated in my YouTube Vlog before that in the beginning I had absolutely no interest in the ministry side of media. It wasn't that I had anything against it, it just wasn't in "my" plans. I would have considered myself more "secular" before getting into the Gospel Industry. In fact, the most I knew about gospel music was Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. Once I became an actual host of the show I began to do my homework on as much gospel music as I could! I studied the artist, their style, and even down to watch them closely at award shows. 

As time went on, I was very knowledgeable about the gospel industry. I even began to take a liking to Joel Osteen, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and Joyce Meyers. Like I said, gospel radio was not in my plans, but  I am glad that I made the decision to commit to it. Gospel radio taught me a lot of responsibility, how important it is to have a relationship with God, and to practice what you preach! Looking back at my life the year before I committed to my gospel radio show, I actually was really lost with no direction (maybe in a future blog I will open up and explain why). But now I totally understand that God places us where we need to be, and that some things are not to be linked to our understanding. There were many times that I wondered, "Geeze, what did I do to be in this position and have the opportunities that were presenting themselves?" Favor isn't fair, but then I realized that God called me to do this. There have been many people that have told me that by listening to me on air, that they have felt so inspired to chase their dreams, and to follow into their purpose so it can lead them to their destination. 

Sometimes you have to stop trying to force what you "want" and try to let God lead your way. Honestly, I learned that usually Gods plans is ALWAYS so much better than what you originally wanted! So if anyone reading this is stuck between a rock and a hard place, always remember that you have to walk by faith and not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7.  
I hope this helps! Feel free to leave comments and questions below! 

XoXo
​-A.Symone