I posted this quote today because I felt like it was resonating with me more and more.
It's about the need to give back in an industry that has given me so much. I live in a town where people are constantly asking me, "You're a reporter, but what do you really want to be?" I always tell them, "I'm doing it, I'm living it."
Hollywood is a town filled with people who are striving to achieve their goals on a daily basis, waiting for their big break and dealing with rejection from every direction. It is possible to work successfully in this town, but there's only one way to do it — hard work.
In addition to the hard work that is required, a sense of humility, kindness, respect and gratefulness is also needed along the journey. These qualities get lost so often and it makes me wince to watch some people stumble along the way. I want to see people succeed and I think we are all better when we have that mentor in our life to guide us along the way to cheer our success and brush us off when we fall. It's an art that is lost in the entertainment industry, so I think it's time to get back to helping the next generation on their journey.
I find that I get more out of mentoring than the people I am helping. It feels really good to give back. So I decided to do a mentoring group for 2015. I want to gauge interest from aspiring broadcast journalists, TV hosts and reporters of all ages in a once-a-month Google Hangout to chat about the industry. I will also give you a monthly assignment…video or writing…so we can share our work, offer constructive comments and cheer each other on. I may also bring in a few industry guests to chat with us as well.
While I am still formulating some of the ideas, let me know what you think. If it's a large group, I may divide it up. If you are under 18 and want to participate, you are welcome to join us, I will just need written permission from a parent or guardian.
Interested and want to join me? Give me a shout out in the comments below so I can get the ball rolling in the new year.