Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella May.
Hi Bella, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t know who I was for most of my life. This is no longer the case. As a middle schooler, I dealt with insecurity and trying to fit in with my peers. During my middle school years, I still remember hearing, “You’re the weakest in the group.” The most interesting part was that my school was predominantly black, so it was my own peers. High school was predominantly white, so I was already nervous. While I was trying to be myself, I also felt like a minority. I didn’t know how to balance both. I would, however, find my voice in this high school. I would also encounter racism up close, but that’s another story. During my freshman year, my friend Katie convinced me to join the school news and a broadcast class. There I met Mr.Phelps, the instructor who taught me everything I know about shooting, producing, and editing. All of it captivated me. It wasn’t long before I began telling the stories of students and teachers, and my name began to be known.
My sophomore year, the Principal asked me to help celebrate black history month. Throughout February, I would recite a poem or quote from a black pioneer every morning. I had made my mark as a minority. My desire to be a journalist was shaped by this, not simply a desire to be a journalist, but a desire to be an impactful journalist. When I declared journalism as my major in college, I brought this mentality with me. It was clear to me what I wanted to do, but I had no idea how to go about it. Thankfully, on move-in day I met someone named Kennedy Buck who told me about the news program here. At Hampton University, I am now a part of Whov-Tv, the news program. The knowledge I gained in high school helped me make friends and fit right in. Interviewing Hampton University’s 12th and 13th president and the chair to the Ukrainian initiative are some of my biggest accomplishments. As a sophomore, this is just the beginning for me. The end goal is to be a voice for the voiceless. To impact and influence the next generation. We live in a world where you can no longer differ in opinions. I, Bella May, aim to change that. Thank you to Mr.Phelps, Katie, Kennedy, and anyone else I’ve met on my journey.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest deterrent for me was myself. Insecurity and self-doubt plagued me. In either case, I would not give myself enough praise or I would see people at a higher level than I am. Many of us struggle with this from our younger selves. In time, I learned to push past that and focus on myself. Eventually, I realized that what is for me is for me. There are levels to this, and that’s okay. I cannot be compared to anyone. I am intelligent. I am resilient. I am Bella May.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a reporter and anchor for Whov-TV at Hampton University. As a reporter, I pitch two stories every Sunday and produce what is assigned by Wednesday evening. I am capable of shooting and editing my own videos. Occasionally, I do have a cameraman. In my role as an anchor, I keep the public informed about national, entertainment, weather, and sports events going on in the world. Whether I’m sitting behind my anchor desk or standing in front of a green screen, I’m able to do this. Overall, I am a journalist who lives to tell stories and have my story told within them. My biggest achievements include interviewing Hampton University’s 12th and 13th presidents and the chair of the Ukrainian initiative. It does not matter who I interview; however, I am proud to be able to do so. In this regard, I cannot speak for every other journalist, but for me, unity is important. I will not be silenced. Republicans and Democrats should sit together in the same room, as should blacks and whites. The goal is to reach this point.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The key to success is a failure. That’s the case for me, at least. According to my philosophy, one positive quality cannot exist without its negative counterpart. There is no light without dark. There is no love without hate. If I didn’t fail, I wouldn’t know what success is. When I make a mistake, I reflect on it, and then I learn from it. The circle of life involves all of it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CYxZhuxsdONeU3wKfti70Kzz9l-zeXlXbazoz80/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/0tTsdi9ls7Q
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRHrusj3/
