From the good times to the bad, it's time to unravel all of the adventures this year had to offer!

This year was full of surprises. We have returned from two years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a year of challenge, discipline, and, most importantly, patience. Let's get to the fun highlights:

Super Senior Year! 👨🏾‍🎓

We begin the year in the final stretch of my fifth year at Michigan State University. At the time, I was tackling two degrees: one in journalism and media and information. It was tough, but I made it through. I held a lot of responsibilities this year and I'm proud to see that it's all paying off.

I continued my newscast production by continuing to take the role of executive producer for Focal Point, the student-produced newscast from the school of journalism. I began my career path when I was a sophomore. It was being behind the scenes that inspired me to become a news producer. The pandemic changed the way we broadcast journalism. We've learned new technology and innovative ways to run a completely remote show.

Over my experience, I have been able to learn about the profession and pass my knowledge to other people in my field of study. Many people looked up to me as a mentor, friend, and at times, king.

I made it my mission to make Focal Point a place where everyone works as a team with fun along the way. I've worked with many talented journalists during my career and it's been a delight being a great listener to other people's ideas. This year, Michigan State won College TV/Radio Station of the Year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Everyone worked together to produce meaningful content.

Another goal that I had when I was in Focal Point was to make sure that everyone had a bond. And I accomplished that with a lot of fun social events for everyone. This year, I took them bowling and we all had a great time. The final show I produced was very sentimental. It's like when you've been working somewhere for so long, you don't want to leave. But, I do know that this experience kickstarted my journey and I am forever grateful for the support received by the school of journalism.

Graduated and in the workforce

After graduation, I was fortunate to land a full-time job. I landed at WILX News 10, the NBC affiliate for Lansing. I work as a weekday news producer for the 6 p.m. newscast. I will admit, I was extremely nervous when I started. It was the transition from college to the professional field that put me to the test.

As the months have progressed, I've gotten more comfortable with my job and I've met some amazing people! One of the best shows I've probably produced was on Election Day. When I tell you I needed more coffee than I can handle, I mean it! We had crews all throughout Michigan and my newscast had ALL live shots! Managing the live shots was chaotic, but as the day went on, I got better.

As 2022 comes to an end, I'm proud of the work I've done so far.

Travels!

As you can see, I accomplished my goal of going out of state! This year, I went to Las Vegas, both for fun and for professional development.

During my college years, I was a part of the National Association for Black Journalists. This organization helped kickstart my career as a journalist. This year, the organization brought back the annual convention. I didn't get a chance to go when I was in college because of the pandemic.

Let me tell you, Las Vegas has the aesthetics. I took in the sights and the weather. It was definitely HOT there. Plus, there was a three-hour difference, so it felt weird. The convention taught me a lot of valuable skills and connected me with hundreds of professionals. One of my favorite takeaways was the writing breaking news workshop, taught by Stephen Stock. The workshop gave me the tools I needed to write breaking news fast, ensuring every detail is correct. I may go back in 2023.

Twitch

I have finally finished the rebranding for my Twitch Channel and I'm excited to bring it to the community. It's called "Another Day on the Couch." It consists of me and my roommates just streaming on our lovely couch. We stream a variety of games, but our favorite is Jackbox Party Game! Tune in sometime in January.

Wrap Up

As 2022 comes to an end, I'm proud to say that I made through another year of living. It's been a great year of being social and being a helping hand in society. I'm proud to say that I have enjoyed all that this year had to offer. It was definitely a year of discipline, patience and most importantly, self care.

As I look into 2023, I see myself traveling a lot more and continuing my job as a news producer. But who knows what more fun adventures lie ahead. Stay tuned to Julian's Journal for more entries and if you're interested in contributing, submit a reply in the "Contact" button on this page.