THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS ARENA
NEW YORK - WHERE DO I START ?! I MEAN COME ON !!!!!!!. SUNDAY DECEMBER 17, 2017, I Got the ONCE IN A LIFETIME opportunity to go and cover the 65th Annual Madison Square Garden Holiday Festival in Manhattan, New York. At the Age of 23 I am one of the youngest reporters who got Media All-Access to the event. I got to Interview players, coaches and fans on a PROFESSIONAL level while also getting insight from other reporters there as well (Fox Sports 1, MSG Network and etc). It still mind blows my mind that I've come this far from OFF THE BENCH, as a young women whose determination to succeed continues to go grow and go unnoticed. Everyone at the facility treated me with respect and kindness and for that I couldn't have asked for anything greater.
NOW! I'm going to BRIEFLY tell you guys about my day in full detail because it was SO EXCITING. When I arrived I immediately got my press credentials and was escorted to the Public Relations of Press Room office. Once I arrived there I put my stuff down and changed immediately!, At the lower level of the building I got to sit and view the ACTUAL press room where many great coaches and players graced. After walking out of the press room I literally had to show my press credentials just to get any and everywhere in the arena (thats how strict they are). After touring the back of the building I was then directed to the main floor where they had a special seat for me and my team on the baseline. I mean c'mon I never sat floor seats at any professional game and MADISON SQUARE GARDEN at that. Once I got everything situated I was preparing to do my opening standup and soon realized that my wireless mic battery had died (like WT*). LUCKILY, I was smart enough to run and go get a backup battery from across the street. When I arrived back and got everything situated I smoothly got up, took a deep breath and began my opening standup. I could hear people say "WOW, she's a sports reporter" (that humbled me in every way), I always tell people that I WANT TO BE THE BEST and to have young kids and parents acknowledge me, tells me that I have a bright future in this industry. BUT WAIT theres more .... I walked away to go talk to a SID (Sports Information Director) and when I arrived back someone stole my media pass (mind you you can't get anywhere in the arena without it) so now I'm panicking because its the end of the game and everyone is headed to the press room (OH NO). LUCKILY, my newly found friend Colleen had a extra one for me ASAP. Anywho, after I received my NEW CREDENTIALS I was running around the arena like a mad women in heels scrambling for interviews, good soundbites and beautiful B-roll (that part made me feel really official).
As my day was dwindling down I got to talk to a couple of army players and personnel about how they feel about coming home for the holidays and how much it means to them being that they are in the military and to see some of them reunite with their families really bought a tear to my eye.
As I close, I just want to say NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS ! KEEP STRIVING AND NETWORKING BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU MAY MEET OR GET ADVICE FROM !!!
