Wendy Williams is My Career Hero
Start writing a post
Student Life

Wendy Williams is My Career Hero

There's better than hearing the hot topics

18
Wendy Williams is My Career Hero
Vareity.com

Disclaimer: Yes, I am a guy and no, I don’t care for anything negative you have to say.

When I was a freshman at my previous school, I knew I wanted to graduate with a degree in Communications, but not sure what concentration I wanted to switch to. I realized I wanted to be in front of the camera and not behind the scenes completely, so Public Relations was going out the door in place of Journalism and TV/Video Production.

I finally decided my career goal was to become an on-air radio personality, particularly for a Hip-Hop/R&B station. I say personality because I don’t simply want to play the music, I want to do a talk show. Dish out the celebrity gossip and share my opinion. Or how most would say: spill the tea. And I owe Wendy Williams in part. It was because of her 20 year radio career that she now is a TV star with acting roles, released memoir, a stint on DWTS, as well her business and production company. When I listened to her story more I found many parallels between her and me.

Wendy and I both grew up on the east coast to a middle class household. Our siblings had their own distinct careers. We dealt with criticism from black peers for growing up/attending mostly white neighborhoods/schools and curiosity from white peers for why we don’t sound or act stereotypically black (girl for Wendy, guy for me). When it came to adolescent social settings, Wendy was very much like me: an observer of life. We both attended college in New England (I was in Boston last year for school). However, the big things that makes us alike is the affinity for celebrity news and gossip. Wendy said she very much enjoyed keeping up the celebrity tea as a child reading the tabloids and magazines. I'm the same exact way. Growing up, being black and male, we’re expected to love video games, sports or cars. I was not one of them. I’m the one who checks PerezHilton.com, TMZ and The Shade Room periodically throughout the day when I should be worried about other things. I honestly don’t know why I’ve always loved pop culture. My free time always consists of consuming every media there is - from movies to tv shows to music, podcasts and radio shows. Most importantly, Wendy and I love voicing our opinions on the celebrity gossip everyone is buzzing about even it means being blunt or throwing a little shade. Some people look down on her for talking smack about celebrities. The reality of it is sure celebrities are “human” but at the same time they are public figures by choice. Plus this is America and we have freedom of speech.

Wendy isn’t on the radio anymore, but thanks to the power of the internet and YouTube, I’m able to look up most of her old radio shows and taking notes. The main part about Wendy that I hope to instill in myself is being bold, unafraid and unapologetic with thick skin. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind on the radio, create her own lane and break from the rules she’s been given. Nor does she pay attention to those who come at her for her appearance which I can relate to in many ways. Wendy Williams at one point had the number one show on the number one station on the number one market which was unheard of for a woman. Wendy also defied the norms for female radio hosts. She stated that women in radio were the sidekick co-host to a man and she wasn’t interested in having a quiet storm type demeanor in her voice. I relate to the latter, as I’ve been suggested to do quiet storm, but in all honestly my voice is just not suited for it; my voice is more loud and "in-your-face" type - much like Wendy’s.

Aside from taking pages out of Wendy’s book, I also see Charlemagne and Perez Hilton as the "go-to's" for forging a career out of celebrity news readers and commentators. And as much as I love Wendy, to have my own distinct style and legacy is what I strive for. I hope that a radio career will allow me to do it all in the industry. My bucket list includes: hosting reality show reunions, red carpet events, TV/film producing (#BlackInclusionMatters), an autobiography, making documentaries, and acting as well (I high-key want to be in slasher film). Along the way, I hope to inspire people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53608
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34488
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956978
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181682
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments