It’s ‘National Radio Day.’ How JD The Diva Got Into The Business

If it's a day I appreciate, today is one of them -- National Radio Day. And how I got here still amazes me.

Just for your knowledge, several creative minds had a part in the invention of the radio that was established in 1835. Ok, now that we got that out of the way, here's how I got into this exciting, but sometimes volatile business.

I went to N.C. A&T State University and majored in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism. Granted, I had no idea what I really wanted to do with that. Anyway, I was attracted to the radio station that was on campus - WNAA.  Though it's a college radio station, it was very well-respected in the community locally and the radio industry as a whole.

The first day I went to WNAA, I met the Program Director (the person that controls what goes on the radio). She heard me talk and said, "I'd never make it in radio." And that "I sounded too much like Minnie Mouse." She told me to work on that. I was feisty and had an immediate attitude.

So, what did I do? I did exactly what she said and went to "working on that." I practiced reading out loud, reading everything I saw from street signs to the lunch menu on the public access TV station.

Anyway, I went back to WNAA and read a script for the Program Director. She liked what she heard. I was well on my way to the radio life. Before I graduated, I ended up with my own show and I was a news reporter, anchoring and delivering daily newscasts.

Then it was off into the real world.  A new radio station had just been launched in Greensboro - 102 JAMZ. I was working in television, but a good friend had a job offer at the new station. She didn't want it, but recommended me to the Program Director.

I went in to meet him - not thinking I'd get the job. I mean, I already had a job and wasn't really looking. Anyway, he handed me a script and asked me to go into a production room and read it. I did that and let him hear it. He loved it and hired me on the spot! I was the new female morning show sidekick for 102 JAMZ!!!

And the rest is history!! The moral of the story: Follow your dreams, they know the way!

Help us celebrate by listening to your favorite radio station. Give special recognition to the radio station, personalities and/or the programs that make your days better.  Use #NationalRadioDay to post on social media.