The Big 'G' Word: My Graduate School Journey

By Nagsheen Nassif
Twitter- @Nagsheen

I bet you are wondering what the big G word is? It's the one word most students across the universe dread to hear: "Graduate School." After graduating with a bachelor's degree, students don't ever want to look at a book again because they think a bachelor's is all they need, but some go back to school in hopes to become even more successful. Having first-hand experience in graduate school, I consider it to be the most interesting and exciting journey I have ever been on in my life. I looked into many institutions out of state before my parents suggested I look into Wayne State University. They had what I was looking for, I applied and got accepted and that's where my amazing journey with Wayne State began.

Entering graduate school in August of 2011, I had one thing in mind, and it was to make sure I stood out in the communications department. I had no idea how to do that, other than to be myself. I wanted to become the best television host, personality, and reporter. My first day at WSU was terrifying to say the least. There was congested parking, students everywhere, and police directing traffic to help get everyone to class on time. Growing up in Dearborn, my comfort zone was anywhere but the city well known for its crimes. I had a lot of friends who went to Wayne State University but none in my department so I was on my own. It took about a week to get familiar with everything and to realize it wasn't as bad as I thought.

My first television reporting class was one I will never forget because of Kimmerly Piper-Aiken, the best teacher who helped me achieve most of my goals. The class taught me how to put a news package together by writing scripts, shooting video, editing, as well as doing voice overs. I thought "wow this is everything I wanted to know and more." I came out of the class with a resume tape and experience. With all this excitement I had from learning everything, on the last day of class Dr. Piper-Aiken announced a new entertainment show that was in collaboration with Detroit Public Television. The first thing that popped up in my head was "where do I sign up!"

Metro Arts Detroit showcased up and coming artists from the Metro Detroit area in all walks of life. The show already had a host for season one but I was determined to become the host of season two. During season one I was assigned the role of set designer. This role entailed coming up with nice set ideas that best represent the guests coming in for the show that week. By the end of the season I was pretty much doing everything such as running teleprompter, producing, running camera, and making sure I was there for whatever was needed. After season one came to a close I expressed my interest in becoming the host of Metro Arts Detroit to Dr. Piper-Aiken and she said as of now they already had one. I was bummed but I didn't let that stop me, I continued to work hard and my hard work didn't go unnoticed. I received an email from Dr. Piper-Aiken about a week later asking if I would be interested in becoming a web-host for a live event for over 100,000 viewers for the Detroit-Torino Urban Jazz concert. This was my shot; I took the opportunity and ran with it. Not only was this my first live on-camera experience, it was for over 100,000 viewers. The show went great and I received compliments from everyone. The next day I emailed Dr. Piper-Aiken thanking her for the opportunity and that hopefully I would see her again in the future. The school year came to an end and I was ready for the summer.

During the summer of 2012 I went to Beirut, Lebanon to compete in a pageant in hopes it will also help further my career in broadcasting and meet new people. With nothing else on my mind other than focusing on this pageant, I got an email from Dr. Piper-Aiken stating I had received the position of season two host of Metro Arts Detroit. I was ecstatic! I felt like I was on top of the world.  It was by far one of the best days of my life that changed everything for me. I met so many wonderful people during my season and made great contacts. Not only did I do all this, I also signed with a talent agency.

Now, I bet you are all wondering what happened next? Well here I am writing you this blog from my nice cute little cubicle at CBS 62/ CW50. I landed an amazing internship that I just started and I can't wait to see what this journey has in store for me.

If it wasn't for graduate school or my family pushing me to go to Wayne State, I wouldn't be where I am today. Wayne State University has changed my life in so many ways and has given me the chance to do what I love day in and day out. Go Warriors!