If nothing else has been more evident to me since I’ve been in college, I’ve realized Student Media makes a difference in the lives of N.C. State students, perhaps more than Student Government. Many college students today are disconnected with the outside world and what happens beyond our campus. Although The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report have become primary sources for news, I see a good majority of my fellow students picking up a copy of the Technician every day. Having worked for two Student Media outlets, let me shed some light on what it means to communicate in a mediated form and how it has affected me.
Radio has always been a love of mine. I remember when I was in the 5th grade, I would stay up past my bedtime and listen to commercial radio until I fell asleep. From then on out, I would listen to the radio while I did my homework. My musical tastes have changed considerably since, but one aspect remains constant: I love music. As a communication major and knowing the ability to speak effectively and poignantly is a prized commodity, I took it upon myself to join the WKNC staff. After going through a six-week training class, I then took two tests: a written one and a board operating test to prove I was competent enough to keep the station running without anyone else there.
Being on the radio every week is an indescribable feeling. I love the role of the disc jockey and reaching thousands of people through my words in a microphone. It’s rewarding when people call in to my show to give me kudos for the music I play. Fielding requests from listeners during every one of my shows, there are a few loyal KNC fans who call in on a regular basis just to talk to me. Last year, I even had two male callers say I had a sexy radio voice! Sometimes, local bands will call the studio during my shift, trying to get some air play or have their upcoming show mentioned.
The radio is one of the easiest ways to reach a mass audience. Although I’m not considering a career in it, I enjoy the time I spend playing music that I love, and I hope others find it entertaining as well. I’ve also become a better and more confident speaker because of it.
Aside from WKNC, I also involved myself at the Technician. My passion for journalism developed in high school as I moved up the ranks on our newspaper staff. When I came to NCSU, I knew I had to be a part of this publication. Sometimes I get a big reaction from readers who disagree with me, but I at least sense that people think about what I write. I appreciate the kind messages some have sent me on Facebook, but I’ll admit, some of the negative attention I’ve garnered has re-affirmed that I’m doing something right and that people are taking interest.
Like with WKNC, the Technician reaches thousands. My picture sits directly beside my weekly column. People associate my face with the words I write, for good or bad. I’m a part of Student Media, doing two activities simultaneously that I love and hopefully making a difference at NCSU. But like with history, the difference might not be known until after I’m gone.
What do you think of Student Media? E-mail your thoughts to [email protected].
