To make sense of this blog, I have to take you on a journey to the past. Almost 20 years ago, I wanted to be a writer. I used to write all sorts of stories, fuelled by an over-active imagination, too much free time and many invisible friends to serve as inspiration. I even dabbled in poetry, once writing a magnificent ode to my cat. (Though I'm not sure she appreciated it).
This passion for writing was eventually channelled when I decided I wanted to be a journalist. Thus, "The Daily Kayleigh" was born. (The catchy name was my father's brainchild and was perhaps a little optimistic seeing as it took me months to complete my first and subsequently last "issue"). Indeed, I would come home every day after school armed with a dictaphone and work on my newspaper which had everything - news, horoscopes, a sports section, and I'm pretty sure I even created a crossword, which, in the days before internet and only Encarta for reference, was no mean feat!
As I grew older, and I completed work experience at different local newspapers, my passion changed and I wanted to explore the world of broadcast journalism. My Mum always said I had a fantastic face for radio, so why not! I started at Hospital Radio and did what I could, and was told by a couple of contacts that I should not study "media" as far too many people had this degree and that I should differentiate myself by studying something unrelated. This advice went on to shape my academic career as I went on to excel at Spanish at St. Andrews university.
To cut a long story short, though I was an active member of the student radio station, after 5 long years at university and my first rejection from the BBC, after graduation I skulked off to Spain hoping to make some money. What should have been one year quickly turned into three after meeting my wonderful boyfriend here.
...Which brings us to the current date. Recently I have been thinking about what I want to do with my life, and the realisation is that I have always known - it is broadcast journalism. I just told myself a couple of years ago that I was too old to do it now, and at the age of 27 I was too old to do free work experience to build up my CV but too inexperienced to enter into a job at the BBC. Now I am thinking I was wrong. So, I am taking a risk. I am leaving my life in Spain behind, to return to live with my father in Manchester and get out there and try and make it as a broadcast assistant or researcher to start off with.
I know it all sounds very "American Movie", and *cue the sentimental music and slow motion sequences* I hope I can achieve my dream.
I have been reading around the subject online, and I read some advice that writers should, well... write. I know, the idea is so unbelievably profound that it's no wonder I didn't come up with it myself. But, it did give me the kick up the bum that I needed.
I decided that it was time "The Daily Kayleigh" was resurrected and brought up-to-date into the 21st century, in the form of a blog.
They also say "write about what you know", so this blog is going to document the trials and tribulations of a young woman trying to get into her ideal career, as well as other day-to-day trivialities. It's not going to be easy, and I'm expecting several hundred more rejections yet, but at least, as an old woman I'll be able to say I gave it a go. And hey, if all else fails, I'll become a cat lady and write many many odes more.
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