10 Questions with ... Tresa Robinson

NAME:Tresa Robinson LAST WITH:KYSN live, KAAP-voicetracked PHONE:(509) 884-2855 EMAIL:tresarobinson@aol.com WEB:www.myspace.com/radiodjgirl

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

I once came very close to losing my first job at a grocery store, because I was too shy to chat with the customers. Several years later, I was cleaning houses to make a living, but needed an extra job. A radio DJ (Rocky James) told me I had a voice for radio and he'd get me a job with him. Yikes! I had not been to broadcasting school or any of that, plus I figured I was too shy for radio, but I was desperate for a job that would pay me. I did get the job, and I discovered that not only could I do a radio show, but I was good at it and the radio bug bit me right then and there. That was in Victorville, CA, and I've since worked in Riverside/San Bernardino, Cleveland and Cedar Rapids before moving to little Wenatchee, WA. This is a beautiful state, and I'd love to stick around, but I'm open to where God leads me.

1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

Working full-time gives a person very little time to stop and smell the roses. I'm not only smelling them, I'm doing a little gardening, crocheting, spending time with friends and family, taking some classes, taking lots of photos and will be shooting a small wedding in July.

2) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

I would say networking with all of your friends in radio to find out what's out there, then apply for anything you think you might qualify for and some you don't. Hey, you never know, right?

3) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

Gosh, can I dream big? How about the midday show at The Wolf in Seattle? That is an awesome station, and their morning guy, Fitz, sounds like a riot. Oh, wait! Even bigger! I could be Ryan Seacrest's co-host on "American Idol!" I absolutely adore Simon Cowell.

4) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

I don't have high expectations on that, so when I do get a call back or an e-mail back, I think that's awesome! I've had an OM direct me in an -email on where to send my package and where the openings are. An OM who does not even know me. That was pretty cool. One local PD told me he had thought about trying to steal me when one of his guys came over to our side of the street. That made me feel pretty darn good!

5) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

I'm actually not. Right now I'm simply listening the way an average listener does. You've really got to take a break and take time to look at the world around you to gain some perspective and be ready with fresh topics to talk about when you are back ON the radio. There are those who feel you should "live and breathe radio," but I believe you need to live and breathe life to be able to relate to your audience.

6) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Yes, and what a luxury that is. I know I'll be back to work again soon, so I am trying to enjoy the things I'm normally too busy to do when I'm working.

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I'm proud that I've been able to make an impact on people who have listened to me. Not just from a music/radio standpoint, but giving encouragement in their daily lives. There are a lot of people who are lonely and hurting who just need one person to treat them like they matter, even if you only have a minute or two of your time to give, it does make a difference.

8) What do you miss most about radio? The least?

The most? Probably my listeners and the creative aspects of radio. I had just started imaging the Country station, and I was kind of bummed that I did not get to finish. The least? I've never enjoyed station "politics" and I try to avoid getting involved in them whenever possible.

9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

So many times when someone loses their job and leaves a station, it is like they dropped off the face of the earth. I've learned that I have people who really miss me as a person and as a talent and who are willing to make the effort to keep in touch. That's pretty cool.

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

I would say you need to be persistent. Take whatever is offered to you and do your very best. Have a positive attitude, and be willing to help out in any area you are asked and remember you are getting paid to learn something, so do not waste the opportunity or take it lightly. Learn everything you can and always record and save what you do on the air. I hate to say it, but I've seen too many kids starting out in the business who expect to become an instant radio star and make tons of money.

Great movies you've recently seen ...

I absolutely love Tyler Perry movies and watch whatever he puts out, but my favorite of his is "Why Did I Get Married." Jodie Foster stars in "Nim's Island" and she is actually funny! I mean, funny! "3:10 to Yuma" was a great western with Russell Crowe, and very unexpected. That's all I can say; I don't want to ruin the ending for you.