Hello. I don’t think it is possible to put what I have learned in the last five years at 89.1 WBOI into two and half minutes, but I’ll give it a try. Next Friday, July 15 will be my last day working at the station. When I think back to starting here as an intern in 2017, it’s been an amazing journey.
In the fall of 2016, I was a student at the University of Saint Francis in Kristin Miller’s advanced presentational speaking class. I had never tuned in to WBOI before the class took a tour of this station, but I’d had professors telling me for a while that NPR would overlap with my interests and goals. They were right. I feel so blessed that a class tour eventually led me to being the local host of All Things Considered.
I have thanked my colleagues at WBOI for giving me this opportunity so early in my career. Now, I want to thank you.
Every NPR listener has a spectacular lens into national and international events. This job became so special to me because of that and the ways it constantly reintroduced me to the community I grew up in. I learned so much from listening right along with you. From in-depth panel discussions with experts and newsmakers, to programs highlighting the amazing artists northeast Indiana has to offer, to amplifying the voices of local podcasters, and bringing you live breaking news, I can’t thank you enough for letting me be a part of sharing these stories.
Part of what first drew me to radio and audio was a love of impressions. I could often try my hand at the voices of Jack Spear or Robert Siegel. Looking back, there are so many voices that made an impression on me. I felt like I picked up a minor in political science every time I shared a studio or a Zoom call with Andy Downs. Last month was a reminder of how much fun it was to embed myself at the Middle Waves Music Festival, learn about the inspiration for the Good Times movement and see Lizzo before her popularity exploded. Of course I’ll also always remember hosting live from the WBOI studios for the funeral services for Senator John McCain, two impeachments, contentious confirmation hearings, and January 6.
After five years of joys and challenges, I’m excited to hear what new voices coming to 89.1 WBOI will bring to a station we love. I hope you will give them the same warm welcome and support you gave me. I wish you all the best in new chapters to come and thank you for listening.