One afternoon I was sitting in my podcasting class a few minutes before it started, when suddenly, my professor came in and pointed at me and that other student and said, “Apply for this.” Naturally, I was confused because I had no idea what he was talking about. Then I got an email from him with the details of NPR Next Gen: Gulf States. It was literally perfect timing.
I was initially hesitant about applying. At the time, it was my last month of college. I was already balancing so much with wrapping up my finals and trying to make arrangements following my graduation. I wasn’t sure if I wanted something else on my plate. However, I couldn’t ignore the fact that this was such an amazing opportunity, so I applied with the mindset of, if I was supposed to get it, then I would.
A few days after submitting my application I received an email informing me that I had made it through the first round. I was excited but I didn’t want to get my hopes up yet. I read over the pitch assignment, and my wheels started spinning. I then reached out to a source that I thought would be a good fit for this story. Not too long after I got the email letting me know that I made it through. I was paired with my mentor, Stephan, and was really excited to start touching base with him. We talked about the work that we have done in the past and began to get a game plan in place for my piece.
Unfortunately, I had some curve balls thrown my way shortly after the beginning of this journey. My initial source fell through, and I was back to square one with no story, and day one of the program approaching. I saw everyone else’s story ideas on Slack but there was a capital “TBD” next to my name. I was starting to feel discouraged but thankfully my mentor was resourceful. He pitched a source to me by the name of Coach Jay, and once I reached out, a new plan was in motion.
There were a couple of bumps in the road but we still managed to prevail — despite technical difficulties, less time to prepare, confusion, self-doubt and being overwhelmed. We both pushed through. I’ve learned a lot from tips and tricks in Adobe Audition to better my writing skills. Getting this type of exposure early in my career has been so insightful. I’m grateful for this experience.
A haiku by Aretha about what home means to Jarret “Coach Jay” Spalding:
Return after storm
Comfort but needs discipline
Found with home in ring