Best Internship Ever!

If you read the title of this post you probably already understand how much I am about to talk about just how amazing my internship at Radio One Atlanta was... Ready? (I'll try to make the flow of this post as easy to follow as possible)

Okay, so my internship actually ended like 3 weeks ago, but in typical fashion I'm just now making this blog post. Better late than never, right? Now I've only had one internship (this one) so I don't have another internship to compare it with, but for now it's by far the best internship I've ever had!

Stepping out of the elevator into the lobby of Radio One Atlanta, I had no idea what to expect on my first day. I didn’t know whether I’d get along with the other interns (ha!), whether I’d actually get to have hands on experience, etc. I’m happy to say that this internship has exceeded every last one of my expectations. My experience has been amazing and a true learning experience. Everyone there was so willing to give us advice and knowledge that we need. They were more than willing to answer any and all questions that we had as long as they saw that we were interested in learning from them.  

The stereotypical role of an intern is: getting coffee, getting lunch, running "dummy missions", etc. Well, my internship was everything but that. The amount of hands on experience and knowledge that I gained from the people that took their time to talk to me and the other interns was so much more than I could have ever expected. And let me tell you, I had the pleasure of meeting some pretty awesome people! 

My first blog post about my internship was at the very beginning of my internship. The biggest event was taking place... Birthday Bash. Like I said in my previous post, it was the busiest and most tired I think I've ever been in my entire life. What I didn't say in that post was how I got to see how much goes into making sure these big events are organized and run smoothly. So much goes on behind stage and I saw how 1) it's important that everyone is effectively communicating with each other 2) keeping things organized and 3) maintaining a good attitude through it all. With it being my first Birthday Bash I've ever attended, overall it was a great experience. I loved it! 

Since I'm on the topic of events, the next big event that took place while I was there was Praise in the Park. Unlike Birthday Bash, I was there to see Praise in the Park being "put together" from start to finish. I think the same goes for Praise in the Park in regards to what I learned, i.e. the event being organized and running smoothly. Just like Birthday Bash, this was also my very first time attending Praise in the Park and I absolutely loved it. One memory that I will be able to hold on to forever from Praise in the Park was this guy... He rushed up to the table where we were checking in vendors and was very eager to know whether or not it was a ticketed event, it wasn't. You could hear the excitement in his voice and see it in his eyes! While working the sound board on the side of the stage, I looked down into the crowd and saw the same guy in the very front row on his feet worshipping his heart out. That touched me so much and I'll never forget it. Moving on...

As I said, the hands on experience that I got from this internship was so great. I was able to go into different departments each day: sales, digital, productions, traffic, promotions and the studio with a personality. I was able to see every facet of the station. With every department that I got to go to each day, I learned something from each person that I shadowed, both knowledge about working in radio and also awesome life advice as I continue my college journey. Everyone was more than willing to teach me as long as I was willing to learn, which I most definitely was. I also got to sit in on the big meetings at the office, and even though we were interns they were willing to hear our ideas while sitting in on the meetings and I loved that. From the meetings, to editing spots, to putting in a sales order, to helping with meet & greets... and well I could go on and on. Like I said, the hands on experience was awesome! 

I knew that walking away from this internship that I’d truly be able to apply what I learned in my life whether it be in or out of the work field. I’ve learned the importance of networking, creating and building up my own brand, organization, how events run (the whole process), how important it is to be multi-dimensional, what/what not to do, developing interpersonal relationships with the people you network with and so much more!

From day one of my internship, they made me and the interns feel like family and that's something I'll take with me forever. The group of interns that I met on day 1 became so much more than that, they're really great friends and I couldn't have asked for a better group of amazing young ladies to experience this with. 

This internship has been such a blessing and I could sit here and go on and on about it. Just know that it was indeed... the best internship ever!

If you've ever had an internship, how was it? Tell me about it.

A Moment of Transparency.

I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with the new up-and-coming artist Kehlani, if not, go check her out right now! She's dope and I absolutely love her new album. So I was listening to her album-- I listen to it basically everyday-- and for the first time I heard the intro, at the end she says, "Maybe you've given your heart to someone that just didn't know what to do with it." That right there really resonated with me and is the reason why I'm posting this. I'm going to be transparent for a moment... Bare with me.

A little over a month ago I had to walk away from someone that I loved and cared about so much. It wasn't necessarily a toxic relationship, but it was very clear that the both of us were no longer getting anything out of it. No growth, nothing. We weren't on the same page, we weren't even in the same book anymore. I tried to look pass that for the longest, you know, pretending that everything would get so much better or that I could somehow "fix" what was wrong. Obviously, that never happened. It didn't end bad, but it didn't necessarily end good either. There's just something about the way that it ended that seems to fall in the grey area. Whether or not I'll get the satisfaction of it truly ending the way I want is a completely different story. I'm just here to tell you what happened when I gave my heart to someone who just didn't know what to do with it. So here it goes... (Side note: This is not a "bash my ex" post! I repeat, this is not a "bash my ex" post!)

I've never been the type to keep a wall up that people have to forcefully break down. I'm completely fine with vulnerability, even though it hasn't always been that way. However, letting someone IN always runs the risk of getting let DOWN. Giving someone your heart always runs the risk of it getting broken. I gave my heart to someone fully trusting that they wouldn't damage it. I give love and I expect to receive that same love, but it doesn't always work that way. It's unfortunate and there's not much you can do about it except... be careful.

He didn't know what to do with my heart, he didn't know how to handle the very precious part of me that I willingly gave to him. I gave more because I thought maybe he didn't have enough pieces to put together. Know what happens when you keep giving and giving? You become drained, completely and utterly EMOTIONALLY drained. My abundant supply of love seemed to have depleted, or at least that's what it felt like. And with that, I began to think maybe I was the one doing something wrong because I know very well that I'm far from perfect. Maybe if I do this or maybe if I do that, but I was still getting the same outcome.

When I gave my heart to someone who didn't know what to do with it I did something I promised myself I wouldn't do... I questioned my worth. "Your value does not decreased based on someone's inability to see your worth." I'm not sure who said that, but it's one of the truest statements I've ever laid my eyes on.

When I gave my heart to someone who didn't know what to do with it I wondered whether or not it was worth ever loving someone again. What's the point? Why give something away again for someone to take it and not care for it properly?

When I gave my heart to someone who didn't know what to do with it I was left with the pieces to pick up and mend back together. I was left with the pressing thoughts late at night wondering if they ever really cared or if every 'I love you" was just a beautiful lie.

When I gave my heart to someone who didn't know what to do with it, it made me realize how you can never really be prepared for what comes along with loving/falling in love with someone. There's no manual, there's no guide.

When I gave my heart to someone who didn't know what to do with it so much anger and resentment began to build up in me and I didn't even notice. I was mad at him and I was mad at myself. There's truly a thin line between love and hate, ladies and gentlemen.

I'm saying all of these things to say, when you give your heart to someone that doesn't know what to do with it, it's going to hurt. It's going to hurt so bad. There's no avoiding it. I'm accepting that and putting the pieces back together because I refuse to wallow in my feelings. That never solves anything. I don't know how long this process will take, but I'll take it one day at a time. I'll always love and care about that person, I'm sure of that. I'm also sure that my heart has no desire to be placed in the hands of someone that doesn't know how to keep it in tact. Doesn't mean I'll never take a chance on love again, just have to be sure my heart is in good hands.

Thanks for letting me be transparent. XO

Hey! I'm An Intern.

At the start of the summer, the amount of internship applications I had filled out was starting to be more than I could keep count. I began to get a little discouraged, because I wanted nothing more than to work as an intern this summer and get all the experience I can get! I started to settle for the fact that this summer would not be my summer as intern, until God showed up and showed out as usual. (Don't doubt God or His always perfect timing) I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to intern at Radio One Atlanta and I am absolutely loving it!

You know when you go into a certain situation expecting it to be one way, but you get something that totally exceeds your expectations? Yeah, that's what it was like my first DAY. Everyone was so welcoming and we literally jumped right into the swing of things. There was a lot going on so everything was very fast paced my first week. The biggest event of the year, Birthday Bash, was going on and the events surrounding it were just as big. Was I prepared for the lack of sleep I was going to get? Not at all. However, it was a HUGE learning experience and so hands-on.

The amount of people I've met at the office and the amount of knowledge I'm gaining is incredible and I'm hoping by the end of the internship I will have grown my brand, increased my passion for broadcast journalism and be able to take and apply everything that I've learned.

At the conclusion of my internship, I'll report back with absolutely everything I've learned, seen and read!

Here are some intern necessities, I have to have at ALL times...

Binder: holds schedule & other important papers, notebook: write down everything, cell phone, wallet, handy dandy intern book by Kevin Liles.

5 Important Things I've Come To Learn.

Of course as you begin to get older, you go through life learning lessons. Whether you learn from them or not is up to you, of course. Personally, I've learned a lot from my surroundings and the people that are currently in my life or previously in my life. Here are 5 important things that I've come to learn (and that I'm still learning):

1. People are going to do what they want to do.
Being the person I am, I like to see people do their best. I can't stand to see the people I care about doing something that's not going to benefit them in the long run, whether it be in relationships, school or anything else. However, what I've had to learn is that at the end of the day PEOPLE ARE GOING TO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT TO DO. You can give as much advice and try to direct them as much as you want, but you're not in charge of their lives so of course they're going to do what they want when it's all said and done.

2. Making excuses for yourself solves nothing.
Time and time again I've made excuses for myself as to why I'm not getting certain things done or why certain things didn't happen. I was constantly trying to justify to others and to myself why things I could be doing weren't getting done. Excuses stop you from what you're perfectly capable of achieving. When I stopped making excuses for myself is when I started getting stuff done. Also, when I stopped making excuses is when I finally understood what I should and should not put up with.

3. If you can be there for someone you care about, then be there. Simple.
People remember when you were there for them and when you weren't. Most importantly the people that you care about the most and vice versa. Don't walk away from someone when they need you the most. You'll regret it so much. When they push you away, still be there for them because leaving their side when they need you the most, even if they don't say it, not only hurts you but will hurt you too.

4. Do what makes you happy, even if no one understands.
There's no greater feeling than doing what truly & genuinely makes YOU happy, regardless of what anyone else things. To be so undeniably happy doing the things that you want and choosing where you want to spread yourself is the best. Sometimes you have to figure out what and what not to give your energy to, if it's not making you happy then why do it or be surrounded by it? You have one life to live so do it doing the things that  make you happy, all they while glorifying God.

5. Above all else... Choose love.
This is possibly the biggest and most important thing that I've come to learn. The meaning and act of love can go so far. Love is the universal language. To give love and to get love is amazing. This doesn't just apply to a relationship type love, but more of a spiritual love, if that makes sense. You get so many good vibes from love. After all, as God says, we are all supposed to love one another.

What have you learned thus far in your life?

Zendaya's Flawless Faux Locs.

If you haven't already seen Zendaya, the young teen actrees/singer/dancer, recent slay on the red carpet of the 87th Annual Academy Awards, I'll start by placing a picture below before I begin.

Zendaya's beautiful faux locs along with her overall gorgeous-ness graced the red carpet. She reminded me of a young Lisa Bonet. I thought she looked amazing, the locs were neat and she wore them really well. However, everyone did not have the same appreciation for Zendaya's red carpet hair.

On the popular E! Network show Fashion Police, Giuliana Rancic, commented on Zendaya's hair saying, "I feel like she smells like patchouli oil and weed." Now, me being a fan of Giuliana, I was in disbelief that she would actually say something like that. The comment was racist, highly offensive and stereotypical. 

Kylie Jenner debuted her faux locs on Instagram weeks before Zendaya, they were described as "edgy". There's something wrong with that.

Zendaya is a wonderful young lady so she delivered a very well thought out, classy response to Giuliana Rancic and the Fashion Police crew.  Shortly after, Giuliana tweeted a so-called apology to Zendaya saying she meant the comment in a "bohemian chic" way and that she's sorry Zendaya took offense to it. I think the apology was weak, honestly.

After the internet was a buzz with what happened, Giuliana delivered a public apology on E! network. Basically she explained it as the "joke" was written for her so that's why the comment was made. Whether it was written for someone or not, it should have never been said.

I'm not here for it. Team Zendaya! She handled this situation very well and is walking away with her gorgeous locs and all.

What do you think about the comment?

Story Time: Kids These Days.

Imagine a photo of a little girl posing with a doll, side by side with her childhood friend. A big smile on her face that goes from ear to ear. Not a care in the world.

Yes, that little girl with the Barbie is me. I know what you're saying to yourself.. "How adorable!" I'm flattered. I was about five or six; a kid. The only thing on my mind was playing with Barbies and dressing up. That doesn't seem to be the case

with the kids nowadays. (Wow, I sound so old)

Granted, the kids I'm talking about are 10 and up, not five like I was. My case still stands though. Kids these days are so quick to want to grow up!

Which brings me to my little story... My younger cousin is in the 7th grade, she has an Instagram, which I tried for the longest to avoid her on. Unfortunately, she found me. The other day I discovered that she also had a Twitter account as well. Why does a 12 year old have a Twitter and an Instagram? Seriously, if somebody could answer that question for me that would be great.

Anyway, back to the story. Of course I was curious as to what she could possibly be tweeting about. As I'm scrolling down her page, I see endless retweets about One Direction and other pre teenage girl things. I saw something that caught my attention, it was a link to a website similar to Ustream. If you're not familiar with what that is, it's a website where people can do live video streams.

I clicked on the link. My little cousin has a live stream channel on this website... I'm pretty sure my aunt has no idea about this. I scrolled through and found a recent video from a few weeks ago.

I start watching the video and initially she was just sitting there talking to the camera as if she had fans watching. I then hear her start singing... "P*ssy on fleek, p*ssy game always keep them n*ggas on geek." DID THOSE LYRICS JUST COME OUT OF HER MOUTH. I rewinded the video to make sure I heard her correctly. A second time, and then a third and fourth. 

It wasn't just the lyrics that I heard spew out of her mouth that had me appalled, it was the way she sang them. She bobbed her head and sang it like it was such a cute song for her to be singing.

As I watched more of the video I listened to my cousin talk about the size of her chest. "Look at my boobs, I could definitely be a model." The more she talked the more I began to wonder at what point in time did my once innocent little cousin become so grown. 

Kids these days are such a rush to become adults instead of simply enjoying being a kid. Life was so much easier and carefree when I was 12, that's for sure. Some days I wish I could go back. So what's the rush?

Slow your roll, kids.

In a sexualized society, it's so easy for kids to want to emulate with they see and hear on the television. What they see are people that are so much older than them dressing, behaving, and living like they are grown... because, hello, they are. 

If you don't have to grow up before it's time for you to do so, take it easy and bask in the sweet moments of being a kid. They won't be around for long.

Kids these days need to go outside and play until the street lights come on, not post pictures on Instagram asking for their fellow kid followers to rate them. 

You know the lyrics to every Migos song, but you don't know how to do long division... I'm just saying. 

Enjoy your youth!

Fresh Start.

I think one of the best things in life that a person can be given is a fresh start. This thought actually came to me as I was sitting in my first class of spring semester yesterday morning. It's the beginning of a new semester, which means... a fresh start.

Whether it's a fresh start in a friendship, relationship, job, or in my case, in school. It's always great! It gives you a chance to put the past mistakes and misfortunes behind you. It's like pressing the refresh button on life.

Breathe in... breathe out. A fresh start is like one big sigh of relief, knowing that you now have the chance to turn things around and get back in the game. 

Sometimes, I feel as though fresh starts can be taken for granted. We're always offered a fresh start in any aspect of our lives. However, sometimes we don't take it in the "right" way or we simply choose to rest in our old ways.

I think resting in your old ways is so easy to do because that's where you've become comfortable. A person's comfort zone is hard to break out of. I still find myself trying to break out of mine.

Realizing that a fresh start is a new opportunity to do things differently and to take different risks is important. It's like things don't have to go the same way, situations can change, and you can ultimately decide whether or not that's going to happen!

Brilliant, right?

I guess since I have a totally new outlook on the idea of a fresh start, I'm so willing to embrace it and see it for what it can come to be. 

This year and this semester of school, I've made a promise to myself to be mindful that I'm in a new season and that I've been given a new, fresh start.

It's all taken one step at a time though.

I hope I have in some way or another given you a better feeling about your fresh start. Whatever it may be. Wherever it may be.

2015: A New Year.

I started this blog when I was in the 11th grade. I had no idea exactly what I wanted it to become or what I wanted to fill it with. Each year since I've made this blog, I've changed the name and my ideas for it. I always said how I would get it up & running, but never actually did. Now, as a sophomore in college, my idea is so clear and I can finally say that I am ready to see my blog blossom and bring about so many great things.

I'm holding myself accountable for continuing to keep with posts every week. If I don't, who else will? I'm making sure this time I'm persistent and diligent in my work to get my blog off the ground. With each post I hope to make someone's day, make someone laugh, open up someone's mind, help someone, entertain and anything else!

This is me. This is my blog and I'm welcoming anyone who wants to take the time to support something so important to me.

Thank you. Happy New Year.