From Student Media to GMA, General Manager of The Roar says goodbye

By Harold Daniel

Student Media will always hold a special place in my heart. It is where I gained the skills to land my dream internship at ABC’s Good Morning America.

I was a transfer student from Miami Dade College with the hopes of taking my career in broadcast journalism to the next level. I did my research prior to the fall term in 2016 and ran into Student Media. I immediately became infatuated with the student-run radio station and newspaper.

I want to thank first and foremost, Emily Afre, the former traffic and training manager of The Roar, for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the legacy of college radio. I came in with an idea of a pop show, showcasing up-and-coming pop artists who are not being played on mainstream radio, and she gave me the shot I needed. Through our teamwork during our term together, I have gained a friend.

I started my career in Student Media as a radio deejay of The Roar and contributing writer for PantherNOW’s entertainment section. Within my first year, I was promoted to entertainment director of PantherNOW. I was able to create an award-winning series, “Out + Proud,” sharing the stories of students in the LGBTQ+ community. I am thankful that I had the chance to make my passion project come to life during my term.

I became a better editor, writer, and leader because of former Student Media advisor, Alfredo Soto. Thank you, Alfred, for guiding students in journalism to the right direction. Your hard work conducting workshops, while having one-on-one meetings with members of the staff to help them in their writing skills shows what students want and need not only from an advisor but also a mentor.

College radio changed my life. I was intimidated by the environment because, yes, I love music and broadcasting, however, I wasn’t really exposed to the music played at our student-run radio station. Every single radio deejay was so kind to me and taught me the ropes of the station. I got to extend my music horizon, become a better on-air radio deejay, and for that, I am grateful for my time at The Roar.

Each radio deejay has a story that I connected to. I learned so much from every single one of them and I am in awe of the creativity, passion, and devotion that they all bring to our ‘80s galore of a studio. Continue to bring in your ideas, because, without them, college radio at FIU will be dead.

Earlier this year, I was promoted to general manager of The Roar. I took on the role with the mission to take college radio to the next level. I gave our station a social media presence while sharing the stories of radio deejays to the FIU community. I could not have done the job of a general manager without my executive board and staff. Thank you.

I leave the radio station in great hands. Alex Candia is a stellar leader with enthusiasm, determination and Beyoncé’s work ethic. I know he will continue the mission of college radio.

To the PantherNOW team, Michelle Marchante is one heck of an editor-in-chief, learn and take in from her skills. Take advantage of this opportunity and continue to grow as a student journalist. Also, make sure to always laugh at Jaross’ dad jokes.

Students, work to make your big dreams a reality. I have failed, made mistakes, but, I learned from them. Student Media gives you that ability to become a better version of yourself.

Now, the time has come for me to sashay away. Thank you, FIU Student Media.