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KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 8, 2019

Student brings KSU spirit to Atlanta radio

Longing for bigger and better things, Blake Eason left his hometown in Warner Robins, Georgia for Kennesaw State University nearly four years ago. His journey eventually landed him on Q99.7’s morning radio program, The Bert Show, as an assistant producer.

“I grew up listening to the show, so it has been surreal actually getting to be a part of the team,” said Eason, a senior journalism major. “I came into it ready to work hard and make the most of this opportunity.”

Eason started at the radio station as an intern last fall, and quickly became a vital part of the show, assisting with behind-the-scenes production, helping to manage the show’s social media platforms, and even contributing on the air. The experience gave him greater insight into the radio business and helped him develop new skill sets.

When his internship ended, Eason started looking for other internship opportunities. But The Bert Show team was so impressed with him as an intern that they offered him a part-time job as an assistant producer.

“It’s the best thing that could have happened to me,” Eason said.

While Eason has found a home on the radio, he didn’t start out at KSU knowing what he wanted to do. His freshman year of college, Eason entered Kennesaw State unsure of his major, but he knew one thing: he wanted the traditional college experience. He immediately got involved on campus, joining a fraternity and becoming part of Miracle at KSU, a student organization that focuses on raising money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Eason now serves as the organizations operations director.

While he thrived on campus and excelled in his classes, Eason struggled to find a degree program that was the best fit for him. It was Eason’s involvement with the two student organizations that helped him find his way. The annual Dance Marathon fundraiser gave him the inspiration to realize the right path.

“Through both organizations, I had the opportunity to get out into the community – speaking and fundraising – and that’s when I realized that I was interested in public speaking and communications,” Eason said.

From that moment, he carved his path forward in journalism. As he approached his junior year with newfound purpose, Eason began interviewing for internship opportunities. He knew that internships would give him the opportunity to grow his professional experience while still a student.

“I knew this internship would provide a great opportunity to actually learn about my field through my own experience,” he said. “Now, here I am in the studio with some of the most talented radio hosts. I’ve learned so much by being here –watching how they work, how the studio runs, and getting the chance to do it myself. I really couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”

Looking back on his first years at KSU, Eason said he hopes other students know that it’s all right to take some time to find their own paths.

“It’s OK to be scared and to not know what you want to do, but be open to exploring new opportunities, get involved in campus activities, and definitely look into internships.” he said.

For Eason, he’s already looking to the future and graduating in December 2019. He’s confident that his experiences at Kennesaw State, both in and out of the classroom, have prepared him well. He says that he’s looking forward to walking across the stage, accepting his degree, and following in the path of his idol, Atlanta native Ryan Seacrest.

– Andrea Judy

Photos by Lauren Kress

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