Passion and purpose are closely tied to feeling seen and valued. There’s nothing more powerful than knowing your effort counts, that your presence and contributions are appreciated. My journey through self-discovery has taken years, and it’s nowhere near over. WRFL has given me a sense of belonging I never thought I’d find, and I’m thrilled to share how I got here. I’m not reflecting on the past for myself so much as offering a perspective on WRFL that may differ from others’ experiences joining the station. I hope this story helps new faces feel welcomed and encourages returning members to reflect on why WRFL continues to mean so much to all of us.
I’d always dreamed of relaying important information to large audiences. As a kid, I wanted to be the weatherman on your local seven o’clock news. It has always fascinated me, the idea of being the big figure on the TV above the mantle, changing the course of hundreds of people’s day based on the advice you expertly provide. I wanted to chase it, I wanted to be someone important, notable, I wanted there to be a record that I left some impact on large audiences. I set my sights on Western Kentucky University; its communications program made me confident in my path. I was thrilled to discover passion in new subjects, find purpose in my college experience, and become the weatherman I was always meant to be. But then I realized how hard it is to predict the wind, got a C- in Meteorology, and had to switch gears.
Let me preface, I’m not here to say anything poor about Western Kentucky University; I enjoyed the school for many reasons during my first three semesters. WKU is beautiful. With some of the most beautiful green spaces, mild weather, and white squirrels perched in cherry blossoms all over campus, WKU is not a bad place to spend your collegiate years. I had friends who cared, classes I enjoyed, and a comfortable place to live. But something still felt off. No matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I hadn’t found my fit. Everything looked good on paper, but I still felt empty. That’s when I turned my attention toward college radio.
At the time, WKU’s college radio station was not up and running, which led me to other outlets. I researched all the colleges around me and my friends’ universities, not expecting to find anything life-changing. Soon, I’d be introduced to WRFL. The execution, scale, and activity were captivating. Dozens and dozens of unique shows to discover; I fell in love with all of it. Immediately, I started looking further into the station. I read RiFLes, listened to the shows on air, went through archives, and found my favorite shows. I became obsessed. I was directed to a friend of a friend, where I could ask questions and learn more about what it meant to be a part of WRFL. I was introduced to then Music Director Rebekah New at a party here in Lexington. I was told, “She’ll talk your ear off about that radio station,” And that she did. She took the time to ramble to me, a total stranger, about what she cherished about the station and what it was like to be a part of the organization. I was hooked.
I remember pacing the common area of my favorite study spot at Western, phone pressed to my ear as I told my mom about this station I couldn’t stop thinking about. The only thing on my mind was convincing her to let me transfer to UK and chase it.
“If this is what you want, we’ll help you make it happen.”
“Really? That’s it?”
That really was it. I couldn’t contain my excitement outside of that library, my only outlet being emailing the Membership Director, Andrew Mortimer.
DisOrientation, two in-person group trainings, and four in-studio observation training sessions made for quite a few long drives alone, but it made me appreciate the Mamma Mia soundtrack. I was paired with Aidan Greenwell, a DJ I was familiar with on account of my nights in my dorm at Western, sifting through all the shows on the WRFL website. After my observations, I was given the ceremonious Monday 2-5 AM, and I was absolutely elated. A few months later, I was on campus.
After many Monday mornings spent on air, plenty of GS meetings, and new friends met along the way, I would later apply to the board of directors, hoping for the Membership Director position. After a nerve-wracking interview, two weeks later, I was emailed that I got the job, and just like that first time back at the WKU library, I called my mom.
As my tenure here at WRFL winds down, I enjoy reflecting on what this organization has given me and how it has prepared me for the future. Through extensive conversations carried out with real professionals at CBI in Seattle in 2024, learning the ins and outs of radio and television production, to the interesting and exciting conversations had with one of WRFL’s most influential founders Kakie Urch herself; I’ve been given opportunities, advice, and purpose I couldn’t have even dreamed of as that kid who just wanted to be the weatherman.
In my time here, I’ve met dozens of DJs, coworkers, and community members, many of whom I now call my best friends. I know I’ve made the right decision every day as I step into the station and I’m met with the smiling faces of members of this organization, who make me feel truly appreciated for what I have to contribute to something we’re all so passionate about. My path to college radio wasn’t the most straightforward, but it led me exactly where I needed to be. The station walls, the late-night on-air shifts, the voices that once felt so distant through my speakers now fill my everyday life. I came here looking for direction, and I found a family. Even when my time here ends, I know that feeling of belonging will never really leave me.