The media has always had a place in my heart, but I got up to this point kinda accidentally. In Lucio Middle School in my technology class, I learned about graphic design. My teacher, Ms. Barbara Lopez, who is super supportive, taught me the basics.
In Lopez High School, I was in computer science, but I wanted to do graphic design. I asked to change my schedule for graphic design, but my counselor misunderstood and put me in audio/video production instead.
I was so confused when I got into the class for the first time, but I figured I would give it a shot. Man, that was the best decision, and I didn’t know it at the time.
My new teacher, Mr. Benjamin Melendez, is a mentor to me. When I met him, he started showing me everything about cameras, video editing, story writing, and what the field was about. I mean, this was so different, and I kinda fell in love with it. Keep in mind, I was a band kid, yet this took over that. The way I balanced band—which the director supported me in—was a lot, yet I did it because I loved it. I also did it because Ms. Socorro Nieto, the school librarian and podcast teacher, also supported me in my field, audio/video, and later on, podcasting.
After high school, I wanted to go back into media, specifically broadcasting. So, I made the biggest decision of my life. I left my job at Stripes to work with Rio Sports Live Network, doing high school varsity games in the Rio Grande Valley. The pay was less, the hours were all over the place, but I wanted to work and get experience. Man, it didn’t matter if it was camera work or on-air announcing. I loved it and the people in it.
However, after a few months being here at UTRGV, I wanted to do Student Media. So, I applied and, each time I got rejected, I didn’t give up. I tried to do it better. After the fourth attempt, I was finally given a shot here with The Rider. Here I am, happy to be here. I know the people who have supported me are proud, and I hope to keep going. If you continue to work hard, let that be the fuel to your fire.
