By Romelo Woodfork, Class of 2023
Interestingly, I almost went to OSU instead of OU. I was set and excited to attend until my mom pushed me to tour OU. I have talked about being a Sooner since I was a kid, but I thought it was too far out of reach. I toured the university and knew I needed to be here. I heard of Gaylord and knew it was the best journalism program, but I had never stepped foot in the college until my first day of school.
I know many professors/instructors are going to be upset but Heather Howard's section for Media Writing and storytelling was one of the most meaningful classes I had. I know it is considered the "weed out" class, but I loved it. It was the first time I knew without a doubt I wanted to be a journalist and take the broadcast track. Mrs. Howard was amazing and instilled in me the fundamentals needed to succeed.
I was a Gaylord kid through and through. I am/was an ambassador for the college and the senior producer for OU Nightly.
I have too many fond memories of Gaylord, but my favorite happened this semester. I enrolled in an independent study with OU Nightly News Director Barbara Merckx to create a weather special. It was so much work, long hours, sweat and tears but it was so worth it. We successfully created a 25-minute weather special covering the two outbreaks of tornadoes this semester. My OU Nightly family came together creating packages, directing, editing, anchoring and so much more to make my dream come true.
First, I am proud to announce that I will be an overnight producer for KOCO in Oklahoma City. I plan to stay here in Norman for about a year after graduation before I move to the city. Also, to boost my own ego I received two first place OBEA awards this year for election coverage and station advertising.
Gaylord gave me the keys to the playroom and let me make some magic. Through my classes and extra curriculars I was given so many opportunities to learn and implement my wildest dreams.
My biggest piece of advice for aspiring students is to never be scared to go outside your comfort zone. Whether that's going out on stories with upperclassmen or creating your own projects with the backing of professors/instructors. Also, get involved now, don't wait, you will regret.
When I want to relax outside of school I either turn on good drama like scandal or how to get away with murder. I will also play either on my gaming pc or xbox. Lastly, I love hanging with my friends either in the house or going out.
