Why WLTL Matters to Me...

I didn’t expect to want to spend so much time in the North Campus basement.  I never intended on rounding the corner everyday, looking at the blue call letters blaring at me from across the hall.  And yet, WLTL has become more than just a club or job to me.

I’ve never been around so many impressive people.  Everyone loves what they do and wants to contribute in any way they can.  Sports aficionados, music lovers, and political nerds all gather under the same umbrella, and what they create is the truly incredible part.  Having survived over 50 years and seen thousands of students enter through its doors, WLTL evolves, bringing a dying medium to a generation of new innovators.  The kids involved are bright-eyed and fearlessly themselves, and the unconventional work environment only fuels their creativity.

What really allows students to make such great work, however, are the resources allotted.  There’s constant exposure to new music, with record companies sending us songs and albums on a weekly basis.  Anyone wanting to dabble in sports talk has a chance to call one of the many games broadcast, or join a well-prepared and well-represented sports talk show.  Three production rooms allow us to knock out any and all pre-recorded content as well as providing podcasting space. Anything imaginable is possible because of what we have at the station.

With so many possibilities and an influx of great people, I’ve thrived in this environment.  I entered as a shy, nervous freshman, but now as a senior, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am without radio.  I’m confident in myself, my ideas, and my relationships. It’s fueled my want to learn in new ways, giving me access to technology and mediums I wouldn’t have ever considered.  I have a space where talking is encouraged and freedom is given to get work done. I’ve made incredible friends who push me to do what I love and to be who I want to be.

This creepy, corner basement classroom is incredibly important to me.  It’s encouraged me to work individually, learn new routes, try different things.  I’ve grown up in within the station’s walls and I’ve become someone I’ve always wanted to be.  

Thanks WLTL. You’re definitely more than just radio.

-Madison Waliewski '19 :: Director of Marketing and Promotions