With graduation season in full swing, many students are grappling with uncertain futures. Amidst these swirling questions, one graduate turned to podcasting as a means of exploration and expression.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
As new graduates ponder their next steps, one young woman took to podcasting to navigate her path, earning a spot as a finalist in NPR’s College Podcast Challenge. NPR’s Lauren Migaki reports on this enterprising podcaster’s journey.
SHERIDAN FOLLIS: A New Graduate’s Quest
SHERIDAN FOLLIS: I graduated.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Sheridan Follis, Bachelor of Science, integrated communication.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: I did pretty good, all considering.
LAUREN MIGAKI, BYLINE:
At Minnesota State University, Mankato, Sheridan Follis tackled profound questions about her future.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: Now that I’ve graduated, I’ve started looking into work, which is terrifying. And I’ve had to figure out why I did all this to begin with.
Exploring Passion Through Reflection
MIGAKI: Follis, passionate about radio, sought to understand the origins of her interest. She delved into her past and consulted a trusted source…
(SOUNDBITE OF FOOTSTEPS)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Hello.
MIGAKI: …Her mom.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: Tell me a bit about how you saw me growing up.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: You really wanted to be a veterinarian.
A Pivotal Performance
MIGAKI: Follis’ mother recalled a significant school performance during fourth grade, which marked a turning point.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Your singing voice was such a shock to me. How did I not know you could sing the way that you did? People came up to us after and said, she has a beautiful voice. I’m not shocked that you got into something with your voice.
FOLLIS: Singing wasn’t the only thing I was doing in fourth grade. I was trying to run radio shows.
That was part one. Next one will be number 13 and SpongeBob’s Greatest Hits, “Gary’s Song.”
From Student Radio to Personal Show
MIGAKI: As her interest in radio blossomed, she joined MAV FM.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: Let me introduce you to the one, the only MAV FM.
(APPLAUSE)
FOLLIS: Twenty students, including myself, joined together to help run the student radio. There, I ended up learning a lot more about audio.
Finding Her Calling
MIGAKI: After mastering the basics, Follis launched her own show.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: My name is Sheridan, and I’m your host for “Meeting With The Majors.” I’m going to ask you ten questions about your major…
UNIDENTIFIED STUDENT: Oh, my goodness.
FOLLIS: …No more, no less. That’s all you get.
MIGAKI: Through this journey, Follis realized her career path.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: I think I got drawn towards this because I just want to hear people. I want to hear their stories. I want to hear what makes them who they are. Or maybe that’s just a cop-out answer, and I don’t even know why I got into it.
Embracing the Unknown
MIGAKI: Sheridan Follis shares a philosophy that might resonate with many.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: Maybe I don’t need to know why I got into anything. Maybe I can just enjoy it.
MIGAKI: Lauren Migaki, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
FOLLIS: That’s all I have for you. Thank you, and keep listening.
I hope you listen to my next track. Thanks very much. Bye.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
Be First to Comment