Tag: #bettertogether

Career, Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

The One Single Word Everyone Wants to Hear

There are many articles on many subjects about creating connections, friendships, collaborations, instilling trust with colleagues. Are you connecting? If not as much as you’d like, or if you don’t know what missing it could be this one essential thing.

People love many many varied things in their relationships whether in business or personal. Having things in common is a great conversation starter, but halfway in after meeting someone for this first, second, or third time, they and YOU may not even know what’s missing. Have you guessed it yet?

You’ve had a great conversation with your new doorman, store clerk, waiter/waitress, business contact, interviewer, interviewee, video or in-person conference meeting, or a friend of a friend you met at a gathering, now what are they and you subconsciously waiting on?

I can’t believe I don’t remember, they “just said it” you think to yourself. Uhh, thank you……. “Thank you, nice to meet you”, with a node or handshake depending on the situation. That’s nice but that’s not it. Plus, that’s more than one word – just sayin!

What is The Single word everyone wants to hear?

Their Name! It’s the ultimate recognition.

Tips to remember:

1. If on the phone speaking with a customer service person, pharmacist, sales person, anyone who is helping, or trying to help, write down their name right away. Say their name back to them a few times in the conversation if you can.

2. If on a video call or meeting, jot down the person’s name discreetly if it’s not displayed on the screen. If there are many people in the same meeting take a quick screen shot so you can revisit the name with the face. The participant drop-down menu is also usually a good resource to get full names depending on each participant’s input.

3. In-person meetings, if you have a meeting invite, writing down the name of whom you’re meeting with before the meeting can solidify their name. Make sure when you’re first introduced to make eye contact and say their name back. “Nice to meet you, X”. Use their name as much as is comfortable in your conversation.

Pro Tip: If in an interview remember to follow-up with a Thank you email. Get their physical or digital card. Or, their email address should be on the invite. Don’t be shy in asking for their email address in the interview, it shows interest and initiative.

4. Ok. So you met someone you like at a gathering – big or small, but just about everyone is a new face and name (this can also apply to a new work situation). When you first meet people via remote video, or in-person again, say their name back to them as soon as comfortably possible. Again, use it in sentences as much as you can without being creepy.

5. Stop saying you’re “bad with names and faces”. I know this sounds odd, but if you keep saying it, it “becomes” your truth statement. Say to yourself, out loud in the mirror, “I’m great at remembering names and faces, I Rock at remembering names, I own remembering names”, repeat it, believe it. Write it on a post-it notes still. You’ve got this too! You can do this.

It’s not a trick, it’s not creepy, it solidifies to another human that you’re paying attention to them. It shows them you believe they are worth knowing. With a little practice, you’d be amazed at how fast and easy remembering becomes.

I worked at a very large company for 26 years. I knew just about everyone’s name. I made sure I called everyone, yes everyone from the security personnel, cleaning crew to the President of the company by their first names, or the nick name they enjoyed.

I loved making those connections, and it showed them that I respected them, which I do to this day.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to everyone else out there – from strangers who have helped me when I needed it, to acquaintances who brightened my day with a smile. Thank you all for being part of my life and helping me become the person I am today

#Offering help: If you need assistance in getting started, I’m open to free consultations. Just contact me via this site, or LinkedIn. You’re not alone in this – I’m here to help every step of the way.

If you would like to converse about my services please reach out as well. I am passionate about helping people reach their goals and turning them into a reality. I know I can help you make the impact you are hoping for, as well as reach your target audience either by writing product information, learn more “call to actions”, newsletter and email writing.

Career, Employment, Life Choices, Moving Forward

It’s About Progress Not Perfection

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to move forward and improve our lives. Sometimes, we take those opportunities and sometimes we don’t. But as long as we keep moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit each day, we are making progress.

As we evolve we hopefully become more self aware. We know what we want, and possibly more importantly we know want we don’t want for ourselves. We can still make “bad” decisions, but I have to believe that each decision one makes is based on a belief system or defense mechanism we each have built for ourselves. A belief platform that tells us over and over again of “how it’s supposed to be”. But is it right? Is there a ”right” way? Only one, or just the one you’ve come to believe in?

Take the holidays. Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. When you were a child it was one thing, as an adult is it another ? Does it mean as much? How have your beliefs changed in what it was or is? Have they changed? The same can be asked about Christmas as well. Goto church, pray, get gifts, gather and eat with family.

How do you deal with the holidays, family, family “friends”, new “friends”? Are you excited, stressed out, evasive, apathetic?

If you’re going to be uncomfortable being with family, you have permission to not go (or host).

In tech, we build software applications and systems, test them, then give them to others to test and “break”. We WANT them to find flaws so they can be fixed before a bigger problem is found. It’s an iterative process. Yes, sometimes frustrating, but usually satisfying especially if it’s an easy fix. No one expects it to be perfect.

Now imagine crafting your life that way. There is no right, there is no wrong, there just is. The good, the bad, the frustration, the elation all will pass, nothing is permanent. A moment from now you won’t be exactly the same person you were a moment ago, so quite possibly the NOW person doesn’t want or need what the person they were a moment ago needed.

My whole life changed again during COVID. One day I was living alone in a condo in northern NJ working 2 jobs commuting to NYC 6 days a week, and on March 9th, 2020 I shut down my section of MLB Advanced Media, a brand new multi-million dollar office, and have barely traveled to NYC again, even for fun. If you told me that – on that day at that moment, it didn’t seem like that something so extreme would even be possible. But it was.

The next day the entire team pivoted to be home based, and we got to work, and we made it work. In no small part of that equation we’re my bosses, who were and are stellar in every sense of the word. Was it seamless and perfect? Not even close. The whole team was clamoring for more work hours, but we all made due with what was given. It worked somehow.

In my off hours, which were now many, I began long walks outside, worked out more, went to the grocery store as little as possible, but when I did I wore my mask, came home took off my shoes at the door, washed the food, all the clothes I was wearing, and took a full shower. It was exhausting, but I didn’t get COVID.

I helped neighbors, and met with friends outside 6 feet apart, took care of my pets, and just kept moving forward. Was it perfect? Again, not by a long shot. I applied to any job I thought I could do remotely for months, I was about to lose my condo when I sold it and moved in with my boyfriend. I then also started a fully remote mainstream job for the first time in years. I was a fish out of water, but I learned about the people, the culture, the job, the technology, and the competition. It was all new like I was a beginner again, because in a certain way, I was. Tech in broadcasting was rapidly changing, evolve or die, I choose to live, and so I did.

Is it perfect now? Nope. It’s progress not perfection. I’m in a New home, with a great guy, great friends and family, a great job, still working out everyday. It got better and still gets better everyday. It’s been a long road but setting expectations and accepting where you’re at in that exact moment leads to a certain peace in life that perfection can’t deliver.

#keepmovingforward

Continue reading “It’s About Progress Not Perfection” →
Career, Charity and Giving, Employment, Giving Back, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

The Broadcast Engineer Unicorn

#Offering Help: #Mentoring, #Writing, & #Engineering Services

I’ve been fortunate throughout my 33 year career to have found many mentors. I now happily find myself still working, but also mentoring the next generations of broadcast employees. Not only to have had such a diverse career So Far – it’s certainly far from over, but a female engineer in the world of broadcasting I have been termed a Unicorn. Who me? Yup!

Indeed, for many many years I have found myself to be the only female in the room. The only adult in the room, but that’s another story. I’d be promoted into a full room of men and me. If there was another women, she was an assistant or secretary, so I’d do my best to be inclusive and share insight. Paying back the kindness that was so graciously bestowed upon me along the way.

Although, I have to say, I was underestimated along the way as well. I didn’t spout or boast my knowledge, pat myself on the back for a job well done, I just kept my mouth shut and did my job, and did everything I could think of to “move the needle forward” for women in broadcasting.

Unfortunately, back then the loudest person in the room was thought to be “right” or the most knowledgeable, I certainly wasn’t loud, so I took the brunt of a lot of wrongs. Should I have spoken up? Looking back, absolutely yes, I just didn’t have those tools in my toolkit – YET.

Finally one day, I started a new job in the control room. I had not only one woman boss, I had two! I felt lucky. I was in certain respects, in other respects – uh, not so much.

I won’t distinguish which was which, but one superior was never satisfied. If I took care of every single aspect of my job, went beyond what was expected, took initiative to do more, it still wasn’t enough. More was thrown at me (sometimes literally) and I would scramble to “figure it out”. I could ask the other superior clarifying questions, but mostly I was on my own, they were both busy, and that’s why I was there right? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Finally about 3 months in, the superior who was never satisfied went on a 2 week vacation. I was elated, and for good reason. The other “boss”, would check in with me, and on my 2nd day with just her in-charge, she physically came into the control room. I showed her all I did, what I was watching for, what I still needed to finish, and of course asked if I could help her with anything. A simple “Nope, I’ll be in my office, if you need anything, call. You’re smart, I trust you, and I know you won’t wait until you get into trouble to call me”. Then she left. Wow! What a feeling of empowerment.

To this day I do not know that that boss knows what she gave me. Autonomy for one thing, but also confidence. She gave me an example of how I wanted to be when I was in a position like that, respectful, inclusive, giving, everything I needed summed up in a short sentence. Not only did I learn what I wanted to be like, I learned something even more important, what I didn’t want to be like. I didn’t want to create/rule by fear every time I walked into a room, I didn’t want to make anyone feel less than, no matter who they were, I didn’t want to make anyone feel like they were only as good as their last mistake. And so, I’ve taken that goal and hopefully not only successfully achieved it, but surpassed it.

I knew what I wanted, so then I sought out through positive leaders/achievers in and outside of the company. Learned from their vast historical knowledge and applied it to new ways of developing standards. All the men and women of my past have made me who I am today.

Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. Really big ones? That’s an even bigger Absolutely. Have I learned and grown from them? Absolutely. Do I regret some? Absolutely. I don’t regret learning from my mistakes, I regret how I handled my failures sometimes. We all fail sometimes, or a lot of the time, but it’s how we get back up, how we recover that matters. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.

I cannot change the past though, I can only move forward with integrity and perseverance in the future. I can pass on my knowledge to usher in the new generations. And, I do.

In 2019 I took a seasonal broadcast streaming engineer position at MLB Advanced Media. I was fortunate to work with a newly assembled group of engineers. All men and me (a Re-occurring theme throughout my career). Not only was I the only woman, I was also the oldest person in the room by far. The youngest wasn’t even born when I graduated college, he wasn’t even of drinking age yet. But he was/is brilliant. The takeaway is to remain open, accepting, giving, and teachable. And, check your ego at the door.

It was a new system that we all rolled out in only 3 months, so we All were learning something literally brand new together. It was extraordinary. I had as much to learn, and unlearn as they did, but we did it all together. To this day it was hands down one of the best teams I was ever a part of. We all worked together in this small closet of a room, and we successfully streamed out 32 minor league team’s games for the season, ending in an all time high of adding in some major league games too. We all helped each other through processes and SOPs, it was amazing.

The season ended, some found other full time jobs, the rest of us stayed on part-time to work on Major League ballpark infrastructure upgrades in the off-season. Another great experience. But we did it together. I’ve gone back as a part-time employee season after season with great anticipation and openness to learning all the new tech forward innovation each year. I am truly grateful to have found MLB, and many others along my Broadcasting journey. I was asked once, “What will you do when or if they hire another girl/ woman for this office?”, my response was simple, “I’d throw a parade first, then make sure you all treated her with the same respect you’ve shown me (which was a lot, and it never waivered), or you’ll have to answer to me!” That was said with a somewhat joking lilt, but it was true then, and true now. That was verbatim comment recollection. Very smart, accomplished women were hired, and the respect was given, I was proud of this group of fine men and now women.

It’s not over yet – not by a long shot!

If you’d like to chat please feel free to contact me. I can learn just as much from you as you can hopefully from me.

Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

The Power of the “Learn More” call to action

#OfferingHelp: Career Coaching, Volunteer Work, Business Email Writing

As website visitors, we are constantly bombarded with calls to action (CTAs). Some of these CTAs are more effective than others, but one that always grabs our attention is the “learn more” CTA.

Why is the “learn more” CTA so effective? There are a few reasons. First, it implies that there is more information to be had on the topic at hand. This can be appealing to curious visitors who want to know more about what they’re reading about.

Second, the “learn more” CTA doesn’t ask for much from the visitor. All it asks is that you click a button or link to learn more. It doesn’t require any commitment on the part of the visitor, which can be important when trying to convert someone into a customer or client.

If you want your CTAs to be effective, make sure you include a “learn more” option!

High impact emails can help businesses in a number of ways. They can improve communication, increase efficiency, and build relationships with customers and clients.

“All roads in the copywriting world lead back to emails…. “

This quote is from famous copywriter and marketer, Neil Patel. And it’s true! Email marketing is one of the most important tools in a copywriter’s toolkit.

Email marketing allows you to stay in touch with your audience, build relationships, and sell your products or services. It’s a powerful tool that can help you achieve your business goals.

So if you’re feeling stuck or lost in the world of copywriting, remember this quote and keep emailing!

For every $1 you spends on email marketing — you’ll gain $38 back.

The demand has been created from the standpoint that the most effective emails make real connections with real people — by offering to take them to information they’ve asked to see that’s relevant to their needs, wants, and desires.

Spam, clickbait, and other unethical email practices will never work to create personal connections or offer information that is relevant to customers.

Emails that are effective establish a link between what the company has to offer and what the customer needs in order to improve their life. They bridge the gap between businesses and consumers in a way that is mutually beneficial.

If you need help with writing, I would be more than happy to assist you. I offer high-quality writing services and can work with you to create the perfect piece of writing for your needs. Contact me if you’re interested in learning more or if you have any questions. You can contact me @ Nicole.Gabriel@gmail.com, or on LinkedIn.

I look forward to hearing from you!

#people #connect #bettertogether #buildyourbusiness

Career, Charity and Giving, Employment, Giving Back, Golf, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

The Green Room in the Cloud

Beginning a new position at a new company, working with a new team is exciting, maybe a little scary, but full of potential. Broadcast production is changing at a breakneck pace with cloud streaming, SMPTE2110, bandwidth constraints, NDI, RTMP, RTSP, SRT, HLS streams, SFPs, CDNs, and a mountain of other technology devices, and Software as a Service (SaaS) growing exponentially everyday.

Doing more with less has always been the trend. Now that is the rule rather than the exception. Not only do we need to do more with less, we need to automate systems, and have automated notification systems to let us know what may be going wrong.

This does not absolve us from manually checking -in, usually remotely though. Bots are now not a luxury, they are a necessity, but they still do not override the humans who run them. Remember, you come first, people come first. We need to take the sailing saying “one hand for yourself, one hand for the boat (to hold on). This is the epitome of taking care of yourself and whatever your “boat” is, and being safe.

You can’t give away what you don’t have. If you’re not ok, you cannot help or be of service to someone else. Remember self care? Give yourself a minute or five for meditation, a walk, a phone break to connect to another human (especially if you’re working completely remotely).

Speaking to that end, make sure you stay connected with your boss, and work team. If YOU are the sole team member, reach out to others outside of your group to interact with them, take a class, join a business volunteer group – stay connected, and communicate. Communication is key.

Luckily in production, even technical fully remote production, I HAVE to communicate with colleagues daily. It is very satisfying to me when I’m solving problems – fixing issues is how I work. Find out what excites you, and go after it. It may not happen overnight, but it is possible. The journey is not always easy. That maybe just for me though. I do feel that if I’ve worked for something and the “result” isn’t what I wanted, maybe I wasn’t specific enough as to what my intention was. So, I drill down to more details of what I want (which is always to be challenged to fix something).

This applies not only to work. I love fixing things in the house. Whether it’s spackling and painting a hole or spot on wall, changing out the broken igniter on the heater, reinstalling the screen on the front door, or cutting the hedges in the yard. This is also the basis on how I approach sports.

Take golf for instance. Recently a good friend bought a brand new set of highly technically advanced Callaway clubs. Now, there are many choices out there, and her “old set” of Callaway Rogues are in perfect condition. I’m a newer golfer, but have found a great love for the game and its process (even on a bad day), but I bought the “old” set of Rogues for a deal. I took my golf lesson with them, and then played a round with them the next day. Today I’ll goto the driving range, chip out of sand bunker, and putting green to continue my process.

“New” used Callaway clubs, my old bag, but it all works

The point is, we never know when or where an opportunity will pop up. I in turn gave away my old set to someone just starting out like I had last year. Yes, I bought the set, but watching someone have a true love and interest in growing themselves made me want to pay it forward and give to them in turn. I do a lot of volunteering as well, there are many ways to give back. Your time and attention to someone in need is invaluable!

Pay it forward in all aspects of your life, whether in-business, health, friendship, volunteering, being a good neighbor. We are here for more than ourselves. It’s a great-big world out there, be apart of it, you’ll be better all around for it. I call that being IN the green room.

My new job is completely remote, it’s a great team, and we learn everyday. We “live” our work-lives virtually in the cloud, but we are together in the production “green room”.

Career, Life Choices, Moving Forward

Idea Box…Being Present

Be here now. Being present, showing up, paying attention on a personal or work related phone call; Zoom, TEAMs, Chime, Blue Jeans, WebEx conference call where you’re camera is off and you’re muted, and “multitasking”. But are you really? Are you actually retaining the information while eating lunch, cooking dinner, surfing for a cool pair of shoes, or paying a bill? Let’s explore this a bit.

The TV is on with a show you’ve seen a hundred times. You get on your standard 9a call (whether it’s video or otherwise), and the coordinator goes over the agenda, then the meeting really begins. You don’t have to present anything on that particular day, soooooo you zone out, this content is as old as the TV show you have muted (with captions running in the background).

Change the dialog. The only way to do that is to listen, participate, oh and turn on you video camera at least while your asking a question, and especially if your pitching an idea, or presenting new material. It makes an impact. Don’t just literally show up and tune out, actively participate in the conversation, even if it is just in the chat box. You may find out an answer to a question that will help you later on.

This premise doesn’t stop at work, do you “multitask” at home while listening to your family while cooking dinner, Swiffering the floor, or considering where to place the decorations exactly? Did you remember that your spouse or significant other wouldn’t be home for dinner because they had an out-of-town client meeting that was going to run late?

Put down the skillet and spatula, turn off the TV, put down your phone, heck put it on silent mode! Stop surfing the net for that perfect pair of running shoes that are 80% off. Don’t answer every text immediately. It really can wait 5-20 minutes while you actually give the person your connected to the richly deserved time to connect in a real visceral way.

People are feeling more disconnected than ever since COVID. There’s a reason for that, and it’s not just the social distancing and masks. People have gotten so used to being separate, they’ve forgotten to be apart of something too.

This year, I’ve reconnected to many people through sports, but also just calling to say “hello, how are you?”. A simple act, but meaningful. Stringing small acts like that together can create a ripple in an isolated world. Take down the partition. Who cares if your hair and makeup aren’t perfect? It’s the authentic you, and your friends, family, colleagues, even people you haven’t met yet want YOU, the real you who is willing to give them 2 undivided minutes. You never know what the effect will be until you try. They and You deserve it.

If you’re not ready to get out into the full world yet, just pick up the phone, you don’t have to say anything else except “I was just thinking of you, and thought I’d call (instead of texting) to say hello.” What a statement! You’d hear the other person’s voice, tone, inflection, and I bet you’d raise their spirits, and yours as well too.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance. Leave a short message, don’t expect a response, not everyone else is ready / YET. Just take it easy on yourself, go moment by moment, then it’ll be a day, then the next, suddenly it’s months later, and you may have literally changed you life, by simply being present.

Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

You got the job offer, now what? 9 Questions to ask BEFORE you accept an offer.

You finely honed your resume and cover-letters to the jobs you really wanted. You made it through the recruiter interview (whether in-house or independent). You also met with your potential new colleagues, the boss, and the boss’s boss. Whew!

After all that, they made you an offer of employment. Now what? You might just think to jump right in, do the onboarding paperwork, and you’ll find out everything you need to know later, right? Not so fast, you can’t make an informed decision without asking the proper questions of the recruiter or HR manager.

1) Health plan: Is there a waiting period before it is available to me? Are there different plan levels? What is the employee contribution (full contribution or a percentage of the plan premium or a set amount)? I assume any employee contribution would be on a pre tax basis.

2) Dental & Vision: Same questions. Is there a waiting period? Are there different levels? What is the employee contribution? Full contribution or a percentage of the plan?

3)  Is Pet Insurance offered? If so, at what cost?

4) I understand it’s a 40 hr work week. Is there overtime? How is overtime paid ? After 8 or 10 hours, is that straight time, time and a half, or double time after a certain amount of hours have been reached? Also, how long is the contract for (if going through an outside hiring agency)? 12 months to convert contract – or extend. Will this position convert?

5) Is there a retirement plan? A 401K ? If so, is there a company match up to a certain percent? What is the waiting period to join the plan ? What is the vesting schedule for any company contribution if any?

6) How many vacation days are offered per year? How many sick & personal days are allotted? What holidays are offered?

7) Working on holidays (which I personally love working). How is that compensated (i.e. Payback day(s), regular pay, 1.5 pay, 2x pay, or something else)?

8) Personal growth: Is there reimbursement for courses for skills to enhance training for the growing skillset?

9) Commuting, tolls, parking reimbursement to defray the cost. Is there a commuter plan (if you’re not working remotely)? Is there Transit checks, or Wageworks? If there is a plan, how much is that every month? Do you offer a pre-tax transit plan if the employee has a contribution they must make?

We all have to think beyond the initial offer to really see what the full compensation would be. It varies wildly from company to company. So, do Post offer research questions, before you sign anything. It is merely outlining everything for you so you can make an informed decision.

Good Luck!

Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Technology

Shot in the Dark… Monday Night Football, Dallas Cowbows @ Philadelphia Eagles, my first MNF game

After a full summer of PGA Tour Golf, Horse Racing, Auto Racing, and Bowling, so many events I don’t think I could list all of them. It was time to head back to the University for my second year. It was also the start of Football season, a whole new sport that I hadn’t worked on – YET. It was the first in-season game the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles @ Veterans Stadium.

I finished my last class on Friday at 2pm, I had already packed my car, and was Ready To Go. I now had a Chevy Cavalier that my brother fixed up for me to drive. So, off I went from Northern NJ, to Pennsylvania just a few hours to drive. My first football game, the cabling was basically set, but the skill set for Football, is vastly different than for Golf, Horse & Auto Racing. But, what I did know, and always brought with me was the willingness to learn and grow from each experience and to build upon each one. The Field Production and Technical Managers were more than willing to show anyone with the curiosity to learn what they knew too. It was an amazing time in life. The possibilities were endless, as long as I was open to them. That remains true today too.

“Our intention creates our reality.”
– Wayne Dyer

I had made a Co-Op for my major out of this freelance job, and I was also getting paid to do it (I was “promoted”, and now made $75/day instead of just $50/day), Incredible opportunity. To ensure I didn’t miss many classes I was able to make all of my classes start on Tuesday and run to Friday.

I got to Veteran’s stadium a few hours later, parked in the designated area, and checked in with my PM. They were working with the blimp guy at the time, so I listened and took notes just to understand what he needed and when. Old school style still, pen and small notepad. Ok, we printed out the crew schedule, I posted it, made sure everyone knew their call times, made sure everyone had turned in their paperwork to onboard, and we were set to go. It was late, so off to a nearby hotel we went. Simple digs, but comfortable, but also no other young women were working the event so I was alone. I didn’t go to the gym that night, I went to sleep!

The next 2 days, I was raring to go, I got to the site early and opened up the production trucks and got everything ready for the PMs and TMs. Because, if I was on-time, I was already late! We spent the day planning and setting up telecom, and other technical aspects of the broadcast. We gave updates to the SVPs that were going to come to the game, ensured that we had badges for all, and knew exactly where they would be seated. I know that doesn’t sound exciting, but I thought it was because I wanted to not just a good job, I wanted to do a great job. I enlarged travel directions to fax to all the execs, and received confirmation that they had gotten them. I think we’re set.

Monday, here it is – game day. Later than expected, I was asked to go pick up some other supplies that the blimp guy had asked for at the last minute. It was getting dark out, but – No Problem. They usually sent us out in pairs, but everyone else was busy, so I was told to take one of the rental cars, pick up the gear at a local store, and come right back. Again, no problem. I called the store, they had the items ready, so off I went. But, I made a wrong turn, I had no idea where I was, and it wasn’t good.

There were abandoned cars, and heaps of garbage everywhere, I kept driving thinking I’d get to a street on my printed map. I didn’t. Suddenly there were 2 cars that blew passed me on each side, I slowed down to nearly a stop.

“Whew”, I stopped at the top of the block, that was crazy! I’m not done… At the end of the block there were a few cars facing each other and suddenly the men jumped out of the cars, pulled out guns, and started to shoot at each other! I saw the whole thing. I saw people get shot! It was like a movie, almost not real, except it was, and again I saw the whole thing! I didn’t know what to do. I put the rental car in reverse to back up, and went down a side street shaking, terrified, discombobulated, numb, those were real people, that was real…..

Finally, I saw a police car and drove straight to it. I rambled nonsensically on and on and on to the officers about what I saw, not even sure what it was that went on, and even though I wasn’t sure of the name of the street it all happened on.

I knew nothing. Ok, I knew the color of the cars and makes and models since I used to be a “helper” to my brother when he fixed cars, but other than that, I couldn’t give a good description of the people involved, it all happened very quickly. They took my statement, and where I was staying, I even gave them the pay-phone for my dorm floor if they needed to reach me after I went back to NJ.

Shakily, I asked the officers how to get to the store I was looking for, it wasn’t far, I picked up the supplies and returned to the production area dazed, worn-out, and still shaking a bit, but I DID feel safe with the crew. I never went out alone again btw. Focusing on work, and getting everything ready helped after a minor break, everything was done.

The PM had me sit with him for the remainder of the game, someone else would take the execs to their seats. We broke down in 3 hours what it took 3 days to build up, which always amazed me, and I decided to goto the hotel, check out right away and go back to the University. I didn’t want to be alone in the hotel room, I wanted to be back at school as soon as possible. Not my greatest idea, I was tired, still stunned, and then I had to walk to the dorm from the far dark parking lot alone at 6am. I got back safe and sound, my roommate was asleep, I quietly took a shower and tried to sleep.

Now what? I didn’t know, thoughts were racing through my mind, they undermined my confidence, it was shot (no pun intended) for the moment. But this too shall pass, won’t it? “Should I continue this life?”, “this was a fluke”, “what just happened”, “should I tell me parents?”, “should I tell anyone?” The sound of the live gunfire still perfectly resonated in my mind. Those men are probably dead – OMG!

I never did hear from the Philadelphia police, I DID tell my parents, I DID go on to do the entire season of MNF. I left school every Friday (even the following Friday after the shooting) after my 2pm class ended, whether I drove or hopped on a plane, I’d get to the site, set-up, break-down, go back to the University and made most of my classes. I continued to study on the plane – no matter what.

Lessons Learned: Don’t let fear stop you ever. Fear doesn’t stop death, it stops life. Face Everything And Recover, it does get better. The memory is still here as I am writing this – it’s palpable even now, but I know I have the tools to handle it. Friends, family, therapists, there’s no shame in admitting you need it. It is what it is. Not to be cliché, but I cannot change the past, nor was anything my fault, I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Keep moving forward No Matter What.

That was the first time I ever saw anyone get shot, but it wasn’t the last.