Tyler Horning/Collegian
Junior speech major Eva Pierce goes on the air for WCSR in Hillsdale. She got the job after interning with Focus on the Family, and now she presents news and hosts a "sell and swap shop." She says she likes the "hands on experience" of her new job.
On that unofficial list of “cool” jobs that everyone envies, DJing ranks fairly high.
But for Hillsdale College students Eva Pierce and Anthony Mantova this “cool job” is a reality. Both are DJs for local radio stations.
Being a DJ is an occupation both Pierce, a junior, and Mantova, a senior, have been interested in since childhood.
“I used to love listening to the radio,” Pierce said.
This past summer she worked as an intern for Focus on the Family in Colorado. The experience that she gained from this internship got her hired by WCSR when she returned to Hillsdale, and now she presents local, state and national news.
She also hosts an hour long “sell and swap” shop over the air, on which people can sell and purchase items.
Mantova's interest in radio was kindled by listening to Rush Limbaugh in seventh grade.
“My favorite type of radio is talk radio,” Mantova said. “I'm a ditto head. When Rush came along, he taught the American people to communicate what they believed.”
Mantova began working in radio as a newsreader for a California station. When he decided to attend Hillsdale College, the radio station at which he worked got him an interview with one of its affiliates in the Midwest. Mantova is now at WLEN in Adrian, Mich., as a backup DJ for a show that plays adult contemporary music.
Both Pierce and Mantova agree there are several benefits to working in radio. As a speech major, Pierce appreciates the hands on experience her job gives her, saying that it has been nice to put the material learned in the classroom “into practice.”
For Mantova, the greatest benefit is the thrill of listening to the finished product of his work.
“The most rewarding thing is your own work on the air,” Mantova said.
He said he finds radio appealing because it forces people to exercise their brains by creating pictures in their mind.
“It's like reading,” said Mantova.
Neither Pierce nor Mantova are certain if they will pursue careers as DJs. However, Mantova says that even if he decides not to continue as a DJ, it is still beneficial to have worked in radio.
Pierce, who says that she would love to continue as a DJ on the side, agrees.
“It's really benefited me a lot to have that real life experience,” she said.
“I think a lot of radio is learning to laugh at yourself on or off [the air]. I used to get so nervous, and now I can't wait to go in.”