My Day Job Versus My Passion

My Day Job Versus My Passion
Who goes from working in Hollywood on the studio back lots to working for a SoCal smoothie franchise? That’d be me. A few months back I applied for a side job at Jamba Juice to have some extra money, a sweet discount, and satisfy my constant craving to learn. It was also appealing to revisit the feeling of working hard for little money. Strangely enough, much can be gained from such an experience. I love my job at Jamba Juice. Customers are generally pretty happy when coming in, as opposed to a caffeine-oriented place. Then my coworkers, though younger than me, (high schoolers) always make it an interesting and entertaining atmosphere. I like to see it as being on-set for Degrassi , or some other high school drama-oriented TV show.
Speaking of TV, I’m the station manager for the TV program here at PLNU; Point TV on Channel 23. Just recently, I was making a mental note of what’s on the agenda for the next 24 four hours and I had somewhat of an epiphany. I have to finish editing the latest episode of the Blind Dating show I host and direct, host an episode of Acoustic Sessions, between sets, make an appearance at the KPLR karaoke event (grab one of the free Chipotle burritos) back to editing, begin my performance reel file, and reserve equipment for the Advanced TV Class screenings on Wednesday. An estimated 15 hours of work, and I’m stoked for it. Whereas when I work at Jamba, even though I love it I still dread those eight-hour shifts. After the first six hours I’m ready to get a Bobik-Special-Bananaberry smoothie and peace out. Jamba is fine for now and of course I enjoy a healthy sweet smoothie as much as the next person, but my real passion lies working in entertainment. It’s the ultimate team effort and it brings people together; that’s something I want to be a part of for a very long time.

What happened in Vegas....I Brought Back with Me

Just go away. Growing up, my mother always encouraged me to take advantage of any travel opportunity that I encounter. Now, I forget her reasoning’s in telling me to do so but she is my mom so of course, I listen. Since then, I have made it a point to make my way around any and everywhere I can. This past week I was in Las Vegas for the National Association of Broadcasters Convention. I’ve been to Vegas before and even to this exact convention. Experience is organic, and in this case there's no such thing as a cloned substitute. To travel is to see and to learn. To me, being a learner is a characteristic I hold in high value. Essentially we have to make a choice whether or not to learn. Webster defines the word ‘learn’ as, “to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience.” The convention itself is partnered with the "Broadcasters Education Association: Educating for tomorrow's media." Fortunately with access to several industry-professional-led workshops and seminars I was highly enthused during my note-taking sessions. Although somewhat more interestingly to me is what was learned from the unexpected conference rooms. The space in those five-hour car rides, the small casino diner, hotel room, and poolside tanning times. It was these occurences where I learned about others and myself. During a lunch with my cousin who was also attending the conference, he provided wisdom from his many years ahead of me that will benefit what will happen for me in these next months post graduation. Sometimes I think he has a lesson plan for my life and knows exactly the right time to share each lecture with me. Even though his times are opportune, doesn't always make them easy to digest.
I didn’t gamble any money in Vegas, mostly just my time. My expectations for the trip were far too high for the reality of it,at least socially, but I also acquired new knowlege in various areas, which was more than I started out with so I guess that means I win. That happened in Vegas...and I decided to take it home with me.

That Moment When....

It’s that moment in the movie where the story comes full circle. When the Titans score the winning point in overtime, when Forrest rescues Bubba, and the list carries on. Depending on the situation, the minor details can vary but the end result is the same, that feeling of unreal accomplishment. This week that moment came in the form of speech from my records advisor. Transfer credits, course substitutions, the whole bit. I was flustered with the fear of potentially not graduating; especially after my entire family from Ohio had booked their flights to join me for the celebration. I was getting down to the wire in a meeting with my advisor and then for a second, time stopped. “How would you like for your name to appear on the diploma?” He asked. The words rolled off of his tongue like gold poured from a casting. For a second I didn’t realize he was talking to me, but he had to be talking to me. I was the only one sitting in front of him. For a moment I think I even forgot my middle name. “Oh uh, yeah, the middle name, put Danielle down for that.” I was graduating. The first in my family to obtain a 4-year degree, all of the time spent in libraries, internship offices, labs, and classrooms. It all comes down to this. It’s really happening. It was one of those moments. I took it in with a deep breath and said, “Yeah, Jessica. Danielle. Bobik. That sounds good.” May 14th, here I come.