I never thought I would be part of a club like my school’s radio station; I never even thought about having a radio show in college. I got in contact with someone from the school who had a show, and they kept me posted about the first general meeting. In mid-September of 2014, I was on the air.

Two years later, I am the newly elected President/Station Manager, enrolled in the schools radio practicum class, and I’ll have six hours of on-air time for the upcoming school year. There are so many things that I love about being a DJ, and I get to expand my love for music and share new songs and artist to people. Here are some of the main perks.

1. The name of my show represents not only me but the music I’m playing

My show freshmen year was called “NEPP: Not Enough Pop Punk,” but I thought it was too wordy, so I changed it to “Get Warped” my sophomore year since it represented the variety of music I play more. The title of your show not only has to pop but represent the show itself.

2. It’s actually relaxing

On Monday nights from 10 pm to 12 am, I sit back, relax and enjoy the music or work on homework. You're alone in the studio, no one can bother you, and you can just chill out.

3. Everyone else’s shows are always fun to listen to

There’s one show on our station called “It’s Lit with Lisa.” ‘Nough said.

4. I can play whatever I want

Our station has shows from hip-hop to polka, and I get to play pop-punk after a techno/indie show. Talk about diversity, right? I'm guilty to dancing in the studio once in a while.

5. I’ve made so many friends

From being a general member/DJ to being a part of the executive board, I’m working with people that I trust and can safely say are my friends.

6. Our adviser is wicked cool

Our club adviser could be described as the “classic college professor,” but to the DJs, he’s the one who guides us in the right direction, and helps us with the legal stuff as well.

7. Making playlists is actually fun

Some DJs just put their music on shuffle and hope for the best, but I enjoy making a dynamic playlist for the night, where the music flows within each other, or there’s a theme for the night, or I play the new Good Charlotte album throughout.

8. Phone calls make my night

I’ve had trouble trying to work the phone in the station so then I can broadcast the conversation, but when my friends or fellow DJs call in to say hi, it’s greatly appreciated.

9. I love it when my parents listen

My parents always support me in whatever clubs or activities I’m involved in, and even though my show is late at night (for them at least), they try to listen in for a little bit.

10. Amazing things can happen

My freshmen year, I played a cover of “Black Space” by the band I Prevail, and when I posted about it on the station's Facebook page, their manager got in contact with me. The band called in and I did a short, five-minute interview with them, and then met them that summer when they played a show in Worcester, Mass. Good things can come from the smallest of things.

11. There's the potential for this to be a career

I have learned so many things from being a radio DJ, and I could see myself doing it as a career in case journalism doesn’t work out at first. Maybe someday I’ll be hosting some Ted Talks…