With the launch of Golden Eagle Radio happening this week, we decided to interview Taylor Preza, a junior Television Film and Media major with an option in Broadcast Journalism and a co-host of Head Over Heels, a talk show based on Her Campus, Cal State L.A.! Even though Taylor is balancing a full load of classes with an array of extra cirricular activites, she works hard to create a show that combines the best of radio with the best of Her Campus. Read on to find out how Taylor’s interest in the news eventually led her to the recording studio. Make sure to check out Head Over Heels on Instagram @gerheadoverheels and on goldeneagleradio.org!
What made you interested in your major?
Growing up I used to watch the news a lot, even when I was in elementary school. People to say to find your niche and this is just something that I’ve always been interested in. Orginally I wanted to become a marine biologist but I was really indecisive about it at time. This is one thing that I’ve always been consistent in. By the time I graduated high school, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I just love speaking in front of people and when I actually performed well and started winning awards, I realized this is what I wanted.
What are you involved with on campus?
I am Secretary of Golden Eagle Radio (GER). I also have a new show for GER that I am cohosting with Angeline Bernabe called Head Over Heels. I am the Production Manager of the University Times and the Social Media Director for Her Campus, Cal State LA.
How did you become a part of Golden Eagle Radio?
One of my classmates in a COMM class that I was taking my freshman year told me about GER. From there I met some members, like Angeline, who really pulled me into it. I went to the meetings, I really liked what they were about and I joined. I knew I wanted to further my experience in the broadcast media field.
What inspired you to create the show Head Over Heels?
I recently joined Her Campus and I really liked what they’re about. I love writing about more entertainment style pieces and since I don’t have a chance to do that in my broadcast journalism classes, it is a great outlet to express myself and get that kind of experience. I knew I wanted to make a show but I was having a hard time deciding what I want it to be about. I just figured “well, I’m also passionate about Her Campus” so it’s a great way to fuse the two together and get a great outcome. It’s also great working with Angeline, who is a great co-host and shares the same passion as me.
What’s your favorite story that you’ve converted from Her Campus, Cal State L.A. to Head Over Heels?
I really liked Roxy’s piece on the preppy fashion. It was great having her on the show because we got to talk about those different styles and include somewhat of an expert on a topic. We used the piece she wrote about in our ‘Yay or Nay’ segment, which is kind of a softer version of Fashion Police, where we deicde if we like the outfit or not. Roxy did a good job of describing the outfits and it was great way to use the radio to showcase the same exact piece.
What kind of guests do you usually bring on the show?
We usually try to bring the Cutie of the Week, if they are available. We also like to bring in Roxy, since she’s always consistent in writing fashion pieces. We always have our guests participate in our ‘Yay or Nay’ segments; it’s a fun way to include them.
What other segments do you have on the show?
We have Snapshot of the Week, our big stories at the beginning of the show, events that are happening on campus, and we like to play some music here and there.
What episode are you excited for people to hear the most?
I’m really excited for people to hear our very first one because we constantly bring up the fact that we are so excited for the preimere and that it’s finally happening and we get to be a part of it. We get to talk about great things that are going to happen during the spring quarter and there’s a great level of energy throughout the whole show.
What’s the hardest part about recording?
The hardest part would be trying not to talk over Angeline or trying to figure out our availability to record. Trying to get everything in one take without stumbling on words or stuttering is also tough.
Do you see yourself having a future in radio?
I do, but of course my ultimate goal is to be in front of the camera eventually as a TV news reporter. You never know if the opportunity comes and if it is perfect timing, then I will definitely give it a shot. I really love what I’m doing at Golden Eagle Radio so maybe!