By Deepi Leihl (Richmond. B.C)
When I first stepped into UBC’s radio station the CiTR, in 2012 and went on a tour. I remember feeling super excited, yet scared at the same time.
Let’s rewind, shall we? In September 2001, I went to Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond and took courses that were interesting which I hoped would define my career. It was a great school. However, it didn’t entirely fulfill my aspirations and dreams for my future.
I knew I wanted to explore how media worked and writing/researching were my strongest traits.
With some changes unfolding that were beyond my control, I couldn’t complete my goal of furthering my education.
Though crushed and heartbroken, my support worker and CLBC Facilitator suggested I do a volunteer job that could possibly lead to a paid job one day and that is how it all started!
I am now pursuing my passion in radio broadcasting, working and networking with others at CiTR. I got hands-on experience with radio and I treated it like school for the first few years.
Due to the fact that I did not know anything about radio, the first step was to understand how to write in a radio format and then I learned how to produce and construct stories. Lastly, I learned how to pre-record with proper radio language to air stories on CiTR 101.9 FM. The topics I mainly focus on are “disability and accessibility,” and it is my passion to bring awareness to these issues.
Once I had the confidence in myself, the next big step was a live show in 2015! CiTR does an annual radio program called Access Day, featuring content on accessibility and more. In this program, I had the opportunity to
interview three ambassadors from the Rick Hansen Foundation. From there, I have received seven volunteer awards from CiTR and, along with a friend, a “Breaking Barriers” award from NCRA (National Campus & Community Radio Association). Currently, I am part of CiTR’s ongoing weekly show called All Access Pass, which covers topics on accessibility and disability around the world.
I am very grateful for what I have achieved and still continue to do. Though one dream is gone, another (unexpectedly) came into view. I have no regrets. I don’t know where it will lead, but I do believe that no one should give up on their dreams and passions. With my current status at CiTR, I am just enjoying this journey for as long as I can and I always hope for the best!
