Rae Oglesby (Broadcast Journalism, ’99 – ’03, Wheatley Hall – Freshman Year) is responsible for interviewing FAME members, and writing articles on them. Here, it is her turn to sit on the hot seat. She can be reached here on Twitter, and here on Facebook.
How do you work for full-time, and what do you do?
I am a writer for “In Session.” Most people know us by our old name, “CourtTV.” As a writer, I basically put words in the anchors’ mouths. Just about everything you hear them say I (and the other 2 writers) wrote. I also produce feature packages about the victims from some of the criminal cases we cover.
What was your “aha” moment? (When did you first have the idea AND decide to move on it)
I’ve wanted to be television journalist since high school. But I didn’t know I wanted to be behind the scenes until I got to FAMU. My J-School professors showed me that the decision-making power is with the producers, writers and other people that you don’t get to see. I saw that first-hand with my first job out of college. I was a news producer in Charleston, working with reporter and anchors who had been in the profession longer than I’d been alive. But I was the one who decided what got on the air.
Who are some of your influences?
It’s going to sound cliche, but my mom is my major influence. She’s shown me through her words and actions that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it.
What makes you different from the others?
That’s a hard question, but I would have to say my drive. I know a lot of people say they’re driven, but their actions don’t always match their words. When I set my mind to do something, I don’t stop until I make it happen.
What keeps you going?
Faith that I’m destined to do great things.
What’s the next big project?
I am currently in the progress of applying to grad school. I have decided to get an MBA. I’m also planning a blog about books. It will include book reviews, interviews with authors and possibly a question guide for book clubs.
What advice would you give to the 18-year old version of yourself?
Don’t take yourself so seriously! Remember to have fun!
Define success.
Success is setting a goal and doing all you can to achieve it. Even if you fail, as long as you learn from it, the attempt was still a success.
How do you help others?
I’m a mentor with the Alliance for Women in Media. I also do lots of other community service. And sometimes, I just listen to people. That helps more than you can imagine.
What’s the best business decision you’ve ever made?,
Starting out in a small market.
Name a person (or two) who’s a model of success and why?
My step-father is a model of success for me. He’s one of the hardest-working entrepreneurs I know. And even though he’s at the top of his game, he continues to strive to be better.
Is there a book, movie, mantra or quotation that gives you a boost about success?
It’s not specific to success, but my mantra is: My journey is my own. I think sometimes we see what other people have accomplished and then look at ourselves to see how we stack up. But I’ve come to realize that everyone’s journey is different, and when we try to get onto someone else’s path, we never reach final destination.
