The WRGW open house was one of probably 100 student organization meetings I went to in the first three weeks of freshman year, but it was the only one where I instantly knew I was going to join the organization. 4 years, a pandemic, 3 shows, and a couple of stints as music director later and I can confidently say that joining radio was the best decision I made that first month of school.
Radio has given me many creative opportunities over the last four years, from opening the door to an internship in the music industry to planning concerts to meeting radio professionals from around the country. Most importantly to me, however, has been doing my radio show. Getting one hour a week to play whatever songs I wanted to play has been the most fun (and consistent) part of my college experience.
During freshman year, after my semester interning, I signed up to have my first show: “Girls to the Front,” which featured only women artists. I was so scared of not getting a slot that I made 3 mock playlists for my interview with the Programming director. When I saw I had been given a show slot, I was thrilled (despite said slot being Mondays at 8 am). I instantly loved it. Despite my anxiety about the tech and the fact that I had exactly one listener, I woke up every Monday excited to broadcast my weekly playlist. I loved it so much that when the pandemic hit, I signed up to do remote programming, and would download and compile an hour-long audio file every week of sophomore year in order to have a show from home. Junior year meant a new show: “The Sound of Everything,” where I got to explore every corner of the (music) world and showcase all the genres I love. That’s the show I’ve done until now, and I’ve gotten to explore so many different corners of the music world. Doing these shows helped me find my voice.
The station has always been my favorite space on campus, and the people in radio are a creative and amazing community of people who have inspired me, motivated me, and introduced me to so much incredible music! I can’t wait to see what comes in the future for WRGW and I’m so glad I got to have 4 years in this organization.
Shoutout to Megan and all of my other co-hosts and interns, Dom/Lauren/Madi for running the music department with me, and (most importantly) my Grandma, AKA Favorite Florida Fan, who tuned in every week for four years of my show!
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