You need to live outside of your comfort zone. You need to try new things and meet new people for so many reasons. My biggest reason? Just to see what will happen. Try it alone, try it nervous, try it just because you can. Because what was once anxiety about trying a new club three years ago, is now heartbreak that I have to say goodbye. But it only hurts so much because of how truly unbelievably fortunate I have been to experience this club and the people in it. I have gained something I never knew I wanted, or on some days, needed. All because I just wanted to see what would happen.
As The Witching Hour reaches its final run on air, I can’t help but reflect on this roller coaster of a journey that I have found myself on. Being a small part of the soundtrack of Quinnipiac is something I will forever hold close to my heart.
I joined WQAQ in my sophomore year at Quinnipiac in hopes of exploring my own creative endeavors and I am now leaving it with more than I could have ever anticipated. As someone who struggles with public speaking and comes from a STEM academic background, I truly had no business blending with a crew of communication majors and talking on the radio. But the strangest thing was, it was the best thing I could have done.
From the beginning, it almost seemed too good to be true. I was looking for a break from full-time academics and a place to pursue my interests that were less than common in my daily life. As admittedly cheesy as it sounds, stumbling upon this community was life changing.
Even when our genres clashed, it was always such a gift to talk to such passionate people who truly love music and won’t rest until you know it. My experiences quickly escalated from weekly conversations to being recruited to help run the whole thing. A decision I would never have made if not encouraged by the supportive and welcoming individuals I found myself surrounded by.
Holding two positions on the executive board was not remotely in my comfort zone, but here I am today wondering who I would be if I never tried. Just being one voice in this group did numbers to my confidence and challenged me to work some magic behind the scenes for the love of the station. I came to attempt a solo project and left with a team.
Every time I got to try something new, there was a reminder in the back of my head, to fake it until you make it. In my time at WQAQ, I was able to do concert photography for 15 bands. There was nothing more surreal than standing in the photo pit at Mohegan Sun Arena while shooting Avenged Sevenfold, at the third concert I ever covered.
I felt totally out of place and utterly shocked that anyone trusted me to do this. But the point was that I did it. I watched, listened, and learned from my friends, peers, and other photographers. Because I learned that it didn’t matter how I got there, I was there. I was in the room. And as long as I was in the room, I was going to commit 150%.
Every aspect of photographing concerts was thrilling, unexpected, and nothing short of a blast. Experiences that I wouldn’t have even dreamed of having until WQAQ. I’ve gotten to write articles and discuss all my musical thoughts and feelings, and not once was I stopped. I’ve seen countless concerts under the WQAQ name and enjoyed every second of it.
Hosting The Witching Hour has been one of my greatest prides and joys. I couldn’t tell you when it happened, but at some point, in the last three years, I didn’t feel like I was faking it anymore. This club had become a huge, important part of my life that just felt like I was meant to be there all along. I was doing the thing that was intended to be a shot in the dark but ended up being one of the greatest “let’s see what happens” in my life. So, thank you WQAQ.
To my Witching Hour, how I love you. I have loved the late nights, the loud music in the dimly lit live room, the illusion of talking to myself into Mic 2, the connections you have brought to me, the silly little brand I have created, the pile of media passes I’ve collected, and the ability to be endlessly creative just because I can.
To my radio friends, you continue to inspire me. Thank you for making me feel like so much more than just the token STEM major. Whether our paths crossed three years ago or three months ago, I am grateful for every second. I have witnessed you all put your heart and soul into this club and into your shows in every imaginable way. Without you, I might not have had the courage to dive so deep into this organization. You are all so weird and fun and electrifying to be in the presence of, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Never change.
To my present, past, and future hosts, you have found yourselves in such a wonderful community. Never take it for granted, never stop being creative, and never stop trying new things. Listening to your shows, looking in awe at your photo galleries, and laughing with you at Monday night meetings, comforts me in knowing this org will continue to thrive. It has been an honor to be your fellow host (and once your Punk and Alternative Genre Manager and Website Manager), and I hope you continue to play your music loud and proud, whatever genre it may be (but especially my fellow metalheads and rock-and-rollers).
If you don’t dare to step outside of your comfort zone, you’ll never know what you’re truly capable of and what unforgettable experiences await you, just like they did for me. So, I ask you to turn up the music and to never stop trying new things. Just because you can.
