I asked the "esteemed" Mike Anderson if I could tag along for the KIX 104 reunion. I figured I could incorporate the reunion into an interviewing project that I'm doing for school. After being told that alcohol, recording devices, and radio people don't mix very well (although after seeing that picture of me, I'm beginning to wonder if Mike Anderson, alcohol, and digital cameras should be outlawed - lol :-), I was told that I could use the opportunity to learn the most important survival skill in radio - the art of schmoozing.

A few margaritas (yes, that is my version of the vulcan death grip on Mr. Cuervo ;-) wore away my initial starry-eyedness - my mom is still psyched that I got to meet Frank O. Pinion - the God of KUSA to her - and shyness.

I planted myself at the bar with the intention of blending in. I was amazed at how friendly, full of advice, everyone was, "Do you really want to go into radio? You're so young, sweet, and full of hope -RUN! While you have the chance!"

I spoke with Dave "Wolfman" Wittman, who strongly encouraged me to pursue a career in radio sales. He said that the deciding factor in pursuing sales was when he learned that the station janitor was making more than he was as the on-air person.

Janet Zimmerman wondered what exactly I would say in the report. I told her I would say nice things about her if she didn't tell Dianna Kirby (the worlds best college radio station manager - smooooooooooooooch) about the embaraassment I brought KCFV with that beer bong incident in the bathroom - j/k.

Rick Sanborn introduced himself and after I explained that everyone was trying to talk me out of radio, he pointed to his son and explained that not even physical torture could keep him away; he is board opping at KTRS.

Terry Dailey was just as nice in person. I have exchanged emails with him and his, among others, encouragement has kept me on the radio path throughout this last crazy year.

The best lesson I learned from attending the KIX 104 reunion is that you can only go as far your motivation and determination will take you. Radio personalities are people (sometimes) too, and when asked will give some great advice, help, and sometimes, if you're lucky a reference. It is wonderful to be involved in a medium that by some estimations, we spend two-thirds of our daily lives with anyways. To hear, experience, and be able to work with people I admire is almost better than being able to collect a paycheck for this.

I want stop and thank the people who have helped me in this. Randy Raley for the initial interview (got me an A!) and the brainstorm for the whole documenty. Also, for being approachable, helpful, and a great friend and mentor through thick and thin. Jason Mack for the interview, help, and having the character to stand up for his principles and beliefs in an industry that all too often completely lacks both. Mike Doran for the interview and all the effort he put into attempting to get me an internship.

And the rest of the staff of 97.1 The Rock for proving that classic rock can reallly rock, radio can be fun and effective (you're to blame for me being here :-); Shawn Balint for hooking a girl up and give me back the book! Otherwise I'll release that incriminating voice mail ;-); Mike Anderson for running a great forum where old farts and young upstarts can interact and learn from each other and to all the individuals on the message boards and in the radio industry who have interacted in a positive manner with me, Jamie Turner and Ozzymandias included.

I am in the process of learning, over the last year or so, that changing your life is easier said than done. One year ago, next month, I rather naively decided to shuck the shackles of secretary-dom, throw caution to the wind, go back to school, and try and make a career out of radio. I didn't know how I was going to do this, but I said, "Hey it's gotta be better than sitting in a cubicle all day".

Well, here I am a year later and still full of the resolve that this is the path for me.