Two weeks ago, I could never have imagined myself sitting in the Broadcast Centre in Waterford working alongside some of the top heads in broadcasting and media. It's been the busiest, yet, one of the most enjoyable weeks I have had in a long time.
Working with everyone at Beat has been an utter joy. Everyone (and I mean absolutely everyone) has been so lovely and friendly, going out of their way to make me feel comfortable in the office, helping me with questions that I've had, showing me how to edit (curse you Adobe Premiere...*Shakes Fist at the Tech gods*) I discovered a love for radio that I had forgotten I had; there is such beauty and intimacy in broadcasting, knowing that you are a part of someone's day is something pretty special. Thanks so so much to Andy Mac, Niall, Vinny, Darren, Trish, Dave and Grace who gave me a chance to learn the ways of radio on their shows and giving me that invaluable experience.
One experience that I really enjoyed was the vlogging and video-editing (all those years of watching Hannah Hart paid off, mum)!
It was tough trying to remember to vlog, and it was a tad awkward in the beginning to just talk to a camera by yourself. I got a few strange looks but after the first two days, I just stopped caring and was all up and ready for a good awl vlog. My editing skills have definitely improved as I was under time pressure to finish the project, so I had to learn what clips were good and what needed axing.
Pre-Sandstorm, I had to edit a video on Premiere Pro... now, I had used the software before but have a love-hate relationship with it (my PC is demented, it should take all responsibility for slow editing and my fast temper... ). I felt so proud finishing the edit on the video after literally hours of trying to use the software.
The day of Sandstorm was nothing short of spectacular.
The course (in all its orange glory) was set up early in the morning and the work began, starting with a mightily competitive volleyball game between the Beat Fleet (who are as cool and as lovely as their fabulous jackets) and the Fanta Peeps.
We played with the SnapChat glasses, Instagram Boomerangs, Filters and more, the social side of the day was brilliant fun. It was so nice to meet and chat with the runners and supporters who came to Sandstorm and see such a level of support and comradery for friends, family and total strangers.
Ohh, and we also found the cutest brown puppy who was snoozing on the prom.
Working with the Beat Fleet gave me a sense of energy and confidence that I had forgot I had, seeing these hardworking, enthusiastic young people getting out and mixing with the community was a lovely thing to experience.
I honestly cannot thank people enough; Kolyn, Gabrielle, Robbie, Debbie, Paula, Alice, all the Beat Fleet and all the presenters who took the time to show me the ropes of radio. It has been a whirl of an experience working here and I have loved every minute of it. (Even you Premiere... )
Wolverine plans to "tear it up" at #FantaSandstorm this Saturday with @beat102103 The question is.. Have YOU got the bottle? #fanta #heroes pic.twitter.com/jxfGu2Uhoq
— Alana Daly Mulligan (@alana_minx) August 10, 2017
Awesome morning in Studio with @beat102103 preping to be the #FantaSandstorm Reporter #radio #reporter #mic #craic pic.twitter.com/Uoct16kS8L
— Alana Daly Mulligan (@alana_minx) August 9, 2017
Thanks so much to everyone for the support over the last week! Can't wait to be your #FantaSandstorm Reporter on Sat thanks to @beat102103 💛
— Alana Daly Mulligan (@alana_minx) August 8, 2017
