Every kid growing up believes their parents have the coolest jobs in the world, and they're right. Most parents are so cool. Some are teachers, police officers, firefighters, and doctors. My experience growing up was a tad bit different from those. My dad works for television stations. I talked about my dad's job as a kid with so much pride that I still want to be exactly like him.
1. You always got first dibs on tickets
Rodeos. Monster truck rallies. Justin Timberlake. Chili cook-offs. Music festivals. Theatre shows. Harlem Globe trotters 7 times.
2. You always knew breaking news before everyone else.
Dad: "Hey. Don't freak out, but monkeys escaped from the zoo
3. And when there were big news stories, your dad's/mom's phone was blowing up.
*Calls dad*
"Hey dad! What's up?"
"Can I call you back in three minutes? There are cows on the interstate stopping traffic. I'm kinda busy."
4. Everyone at school was asking you for updates during inclement weather, even if your parent wasn't the meteorologist.
Junior year of high school I was in Algebra II. My teacher was super strict about phones, dress code, and homework. The weather had been cold and raining all day. She told me to get out my phone and call my dad because she really wanted to know if it was going to snow. It was pretty shocking.
5. You had a raging hate against your parent's competition station.
"Oh, your mom works for the other station? Yeah, well my dad's news station is better!"
-My actual words in the sixth grade.
6. You learned to talk newsworthy at a young age.
Except do not ask me about ratings and how they work. Because no matter how many times my dad explains it to me, I have no idea what he's saying.
7. You never saw your parent during-
Storms. Severe weather. Breaking news. Budget time (whatever that is).
8. When you went out of town you always judged a city by its local TV/Radio stations.
"Yeah, they really need to switch to HD."
9. Free stuff from the network.
"The Voice" mugs and key chains anyone?
The Pilot to every TV show.
An endless supply of hoodies from cancelled TV shows in 1998.
10. Your parent inspired you to follow in their footsteps.
Because you saw how passionate they were, and you hope your future career is just as rewarding.
