DOWN MEMORY LANE-

Yesterday was World Radio Day-13th Feb,this day right here brings fresh memories of my first real job though an attachment at Baraka FM in Mombasa.Back in 2008, it was extremely difficult to get a job or an internship for that matter at such a prestigious radio station.So I approached a certain KTN journalist- Ngumbao who owed me a favor.May God rest his soul. You see, Ngumbao came to Airport View Academy to interview students who had passed in KCPE.While talking to me he asked what I wanted to be.For those who know me, know that from an early age I had it all figured out,I wanted to be a journalist.He said to me casually- if you ever need help ,come see me.So when I was required to be attached, I went to collect on that favor.Since that was like eight years before, Ngumbao did not remember but he said -why not.He called up his friend Mwangi who was the big boss at Baraka Fm and asked for a favor.You see....this girl right here received a call."Come report on Monday". If i say i was happy, its an understatement i was overjoyed! Ecstatic and filled with all kinds of emotions.Monday i did report and for my first assignment was sent to the law courts to listen in and file an interesting story. Weuh! big up to all court reporters, its excruciating.Hearing case after case, moving from one court to another. I did not like it ,but endured coz i was there to learn.Seeing how resilient i was, Mwangi allowed me to start attending events and writing stories for the various bulletins.I thrived on creating features so did that too which was interesting. I got a chance to rub shoulders with some of the big names today.The likes of Dennis Okari, Patience Nyange, Janet Kilalo of Lulu Fm and Colyns Adede of VOA. When my internship was over, i had learnt considerable lessons. 1. Radio was not for me.I wanted to ✍️ and Radio wanted my voice. 2. What you hear is not what you get.The voices do not depict the face. 3.Radio gives you freedom if you embrace it to do it behind the scenes. 4. Life is short, but your time on radio can be shorter if you do not embrace it. Radio is hardwork, you must have passion for it. To all the radio journalists out there, keep thriving.Big up for the good job you are doing.Continue to stay relevant amidst the changing tide into digitization.

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