So, I have some big news! After working at K102 for the last 10 years, I will be stepping away next week and moving to the next chapter in my career. I want to make it clear that this was completely my decision - nobody has asked me to leave. It's just at this time in my life, I feel like this is what is best for me.
10 years ago, I was lucky enough to get a Promotions Internship with K102 for a summer and I fell absolutely in LOVE with radio! I got to meet and work with people that I still talk to today. I also got to see and meet artists like Cole Swindell and Brothers Osborne in the K102 Roadhouse before they were big stars. More than falling in love with radio though, I fell in love with K102.
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Before my internship, I never knew what I wanted to do after college, but after it, I was sure that I wanted to work at K102 in some capacity. I found ways to keep my foot in the door after my internship ended. A former DJ told me that I don't stop talking and I should explore the on-air side of it. I then interned for him and eventually the Dave Ryan Show on KDWB.
I kept working throughout college and when I was a senior in college, I was lucky to get a paying gig as a Promotions Assistant for K102! This was one of the most exhausting, but favorite years of my life. I was working 2 jobs, trying to graduate on time and also, trying to have a life. Thanks to a lot of coffee, I was able to do it all and it was during this year that I met Chris Carr.
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After a year of busting my butt and trying to learn everything I possibly could, I hit the job jackpot when the Digital Program Director position opened up for K102. I was officially hired on July 1, 2015 and quickly became a member of Chris Carr & Company in the morning. Initially, I wasn't going to be on-air, but Chris asked, "If you're going to be in the room, can I give you a mic?" I thought, "Why not?!"
I'll admit it, that first year on-air, I was not the best employee. I had a LOT to learn and realized very quickly, talking on the radio is not all fun & games. It's a lot of work, but once I figured that out, I wanted to be the best I could be at it. I asked for more responsibilities along the way and eventually became not just a full-time member, but the show's producer.
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I became so close with my co-workers, but specifically Chris Carr. He and I just worked so well together. It was like we could predict what the other was going to do before they did it. He even officiated my wedding in 2019.
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Over the past few years, I've been going through some pretty tough times in my personal life. I spoke early in 2020 about being diagnosed with depression and in the last year or so, I've experienced some pretty tremendous losses. Because of that, I haven't always come to work with a smile on my face, but the amount of support I've received from both my co-workers and our listeners, is truly incredible. I can't say how grateful I am to each and every one of you for your patience and support.
Because of the personal hardships of these last few years, I started to do some reevaluating in these last few months. After a lot of thought and back and fourth, I have made the decision to finish my contract, and take a step back away from radio. My last day at K102 will be on Tuesday, January 31st.
This was not a decision I made lightly, and it may not be a forever decision. BUT, I feel like at this moment, I am being tugged to make this leap. I've spent so much of my life trying to control every aspect of it and in the last year I've realized how stupid that is and so this year, I've made my mantra to surrender and that's exactly what I'm doing right now - surrendering it all to God.
I can't pinpoint one exactly reason for leaving. Truly, I just feel like I'm being called to do so right now. It may even be the biggest mistake or regret of my life, but as I said, I'm choosing just to surrender it all.
As I said earlier, this was my decision and mine alone to leave. I want to thank Chris, Kia and the rest of my colleagues for their support in making this decision. Even if they're not happy about it, I know they are so happy for me. I can't even begin to explain how hard this has been. K102 is all I know. I love it so much, and I am so immensely grateful for every experience over the last 10 years.
I fell in love with K102 when I started working here. I am so honored to be a small part of the legacy that is Chris Carr & Company and K102. Even though I will no longer be affiliated with the station, I will always be loyal to 102.1-K102.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to SO.MANY.PEOPLE. Thank you to all my bosses, past and present. I would not be here without you and I am so grateful for everything you have done for me in my career. Thank you to all my colleagues, also past and present. I have so many wonderful memories with every single one of you and I know we will not just stay in touch, but remain close friends. Thank you to the listeners who woke up with us every morning. You made waking up at 3:30am everyday so worth it and your support has been so incredible. And finally, to Chris Carr. You have been my mentor. You took a chance on me and taught me so much. You are forever my lil bia!
I love you all so much. Thank you for every single memory.