Having A Mentor Was A Turning Point In My Life

When I began working as a Production Assistant at KCBS Radio, one of the first individuals I befriended was our overnight editor, Debra Ingerson. We clicked like mac and cheese. In addition to being honest and blunt, both of us had one other thing in common: we loved to talk. From our religious backgrounds to our careers, we chatted about everything.

Because I did not get into the writing program at NBC Bay Area, I made it my goal to hone on my writing skills at KCBS Radio. When I told Debra I wanted to pursue a career in writing, she told me to speak to our overnight anchor, John Evans. And I did exactly that.

My shift ended at 10 p.m. and John began his shift around 8 p.m. One day I mustered up the courage to walk over to John and I told him that I wanted to go into writing and I would love your help so would you be willing to help me? He said, "Sure, why don't you choose three stories that interest you from the rundown and write them as if they were to go on the air right now?" And I said "ok."

When I was done, I printed out the stories I wrote for the air and handed them over to John. After reviewing them, he asked me "Arooba, do you have a few minutes to discuss your work?" I said, "yes." When he led me to one of the vacant studios at the station, my heartbeat escalated and my stomach flipped. I fidgeted.What will he say? He'll probably say I'm not meant for this work. Or maybe he'll say, I don't belong in this industry. My cheeks felt scorching hot and by the time we reached the studio, I wanted to bolt out the door.

But before I could make a move, John said three words to me that left me stunned: "I'm really impressed." I don't recall pinching myself but I did think, did he really just say that to me? Did I hear him correctly? I DID. I HEARD HIM CORRECTLY.

John told me that he's come across many PAs in the past but I was one of the few who had the drive to grow and thrive in the media industry and that he was willing to help me at all cost. I was 26 at the time. And in my 26 years, I had not heard anyone say that to me in such a short time.

After that, John and I met nearly every day to discuss my work. He continued to give me invaluable advice. He believed in me. Blindly believed in me and in my work. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. He taught me how to speak up and advocate for myself. He would constantly tell me "Arooba, use your voice." When he first said it, it didn't sync in but he repeated it multiple times, and eventually it all made sense. He gave me the push I needed to become the woman I am today.

Till this day I'm so thankful that I did not get into the writing program at NBC Bay Area because if I did, I wouldn't have worked at KCBS Radio and crossed paths with some of the best people in the journalism business.

Today, John is not only a colleague to me, but he's a friend, father figure and mentor. And Debra and I are like two peas in a pod.