Happening in Southeast Colorado

“In 3-2-1, and we’re live.”

 

Three McClave FFA students have embarked on a project over the last school year, a podcast called “Living to Serve.”

 

It’s been a learning experience for Juniors Corbin Jagers, Weston Morgan, and Garret VanDyke.

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Corbin opened the microphone to welcome the audience and announce the day's topic.  I was honored to be part of the program.  As someone with a background in radio and TV news, it was exciting to see this next generation learn the craft.

 

They had questions, and I was impressed.  “Back to what you were telling our class downstairs; how did you get started with becoming the communications person at Southeast Colorado Power Association?” they asked.

 

I explained that I developed an interest in radio after taking some classes at Oklahoma State, which led to a DJ job at a local radio station in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had a job doing overnight news on the weekend at a Tulsa station, KVOO.  I shared that opportunities often come when you least expect them. 

 

“What was your favorite part of your career?” they asked.  I elaborated that there is no one favorite part and that everything you do is interesting in its own way.  I prepared them to be open-minded, recognizing that you might change directions multiple times in your life, but hopefully, the skills you acquire in each position will better prepare you for the next.

Keeping the podcast interesting and entertaining, they prepared me for the questions they asked all their guests.  “How do you feel about yard gnomes?”  I suppose I’m quite a fan of yard gnomes.  It was enjoyable, and it demonstrated that this group of students understands how to keep the interview engaging and moving forward.

 

They engaged in conversation about my thoughts on agriculture.  They showed they have a good working knowledge of the challenges ahead but seemed optimistic that it is a rewarding field of work.  It’s vital to Southeast Colorado, rural Colorado, and our way of life.

 

They circled back to what advice I could give on entering a career in communications.  I told them to take different classes and seek out diverse experiences to test what they will love.  I also mentioned that it might change because communications is a changing industry.  Radio remains relevant, but online media outlets and podcasts have emerged as the primary sources of information for many people.

 

Full of questions, they sought my opinion on contacting legislators regarding concerns about issues affecting our rural way of life.  Corbin mentioned that his grandfather had encouraged him to do so to communicate concerns, and he admitted that he had followed this advice. I shared that if they felt so strongly about a topic, I believe that’s the only thing to do.  They seemed well beyond their years of maturity, and I felt so honored to be a part of their show.

 

And just like that, it was over. “Hit the music; we've got to go and get to the next period.” The school day continues.

 

This month marks one year since the students conceived the idea for the podcast and began producing episodes.  The podcast we recorded together is titled “Power, Radio and Eskimo Joes” and can be found on the Spotify app.

 

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