#WCW: Shannon O'Keefe

1. What's your story? What makes you unique?

I was born and raised in Kennesaw, Georgia where I graduated from Kennesaw Mountain High School in 2011. I’ve lived in Athens, Georgia for the past 4 years and just graduated from the University of Georgia a few weeks ago. I know they say never apply to only one college, but that’s exactly what I did… I only applied to UGA. Not only did I feel at home the second I stepped onto campus, but I was also determined to attend one of the best Journalism Schools in the country—Grady College of Journalism.

I was in the fifth grade when my passion for news and journalism began. I helped start the morning newscast for my elementary school, and there began my dream of one day working in a newsroom! I continued to work towards my dream as I interned with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, was a student contributor for Coca-Cola Journey, and spent endless hours working in the newsroom for Grady Newsource. My dream recently became a reality as I am moving to Tallahassee, Florida to begin my journalism career as a news producer. After lots of story pitching, writing, editing, wardrobe changing, take 2’s and 3’s, questioning if this is really what I want to do, and hectic days in the newsroom… I couldn’t be more excited to begin my career and even more thankful for the experiences and incredible mentorship UGA has given me.

2. What motivates you?

Just a couple of weeks ago at our commencement ceremony, Amy Robach delivered the commencement address. Amy Robach says, “You have to put yourself in the right place and be ready for the right time. You create your own luck! And one of the ways you do that is by saying this simple word enthusiastically and often… YES!” This quote encompasses exactly what motivates me on a daily basis. You have to work hard to get where you want; success is just not handed to you! I am motivated by meeting deadlines, working hard, and creating adventure by saying yes!

3. Who is a hero of yours?

Dodie Cantrell. She is a professor of one of the best journalism schools in the country, she is an author, she helps run nonprofit organizations, she was a General Manager, News Director, and Anchor at multiple news stations, and most importantly she is a mentor and motivator to so many (especially myself). She has helped me fall in love with journalism, she has pushed me past my limits, she has helped me achieve my dreams, she has taught me perseverance, and I’m honored to say she’s more than just a professor, she’s a friend. Cantrell once told me, “Touch the mind through the heart” and that is one of the many things I will never forget from her.

4. What's your future plan? Your goals?

I am currently making the move to Tallahassee where I will begin my career as news producer for WCTV. I hope to continue on this career path as news producer and gain experience in many different markets along the way. My dream job would be to eventually be a producer at a network level or produce a morning show such as Good Morning America! My personal goal is to travel the world and experience all there is the world has to offer.

5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

No great thing is created suddenly. As cliché as it may sound, patience is a virtue. While working towards a dream it is easy to give up when you are not seeing the results you expect or hope to see. But you must continue to believe in yourself through the obstacles and setbacks, knowing that great things take time and a lot of hard work. You don’t have to always know the right answer, you just have always be willing to jump at every opportunity.

6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?

Everything happens for a reason. I strongly believe that we all make mistakes to learn from them, every person we meet will have some kind of role in our lives (big or small), things go wrong so we can learn to appreciate when things go right, and eventually everything will fall into place so just enjoy the ride!

7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?

One of the coolest things I’ve ever done would have to be related to journalism. This past year I had the opportunity to interview and tell the story of a first grade teacher in Athens, GA. She was battling breast cancer and was a hero to so many. This may be a storyline that you often hear about, but it was one that impacted my life and my career. Her story really moved me. Here is the completed story: