Blog by Sean Gehon, Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Memories are peculiar things. They can be happy, sad, scary, angry, empowering, and even a little confusing. While looking back over the past year, I found myself wondering what I’d be doing right now had I never entered the Much Music VJ Search. Would I be in school training to become an actor, or perhaps studying Greek Mythology at the University of Regina? Maybe I would be working at a video store asking people to pay their late fees. The options are truly limitless, but the one thing I do know for sure is that I wouldn’t trade the past year to find out.
May 1, 2006 marked my debut as an entertainment reporter for Star! Daily. Having just come off my run as a contestant on the 2006 Much Music VJ Search, my head was spinning. I had just experienced one of the strangest job interviews of my life, was offered a position as an on-air personality for Star!, and had to inform Mom that I would be packing up my life and moving to Toronto to pursue a career in television. It has now been one entire year since I started this adventure, and although I don’t plan on looking back, I think it’s time to share some of my favourite experiences, and say thank you for the memories.
When I first started here at Star! I often got asked who my top three interviews would be. Of course I responded with Cher, Paris Hilton, and Carrie Underwood. Luckily, I was given the chance to meet and talk to Paris at the 2006 Much Music Video Awards. Meeting Paris was probably one of the most embarrassing experiences of my life - and especially of my career. At the time I was absolutely obsessed with Paris Hilton. I loved her cologne, owned her book, and couldn’t wait to listen to her debut album. When I first got the chance to run into Paris, my nerves and excitement skyrocketed to an all time high… I couldn’t believe I was about to meet one of my favourite celebrities. My interview with Paris Hilton was perhaps one of the worst pieces of television you could ever see. Not only was I nervous, I was ill prepared, scared, unable to form intelligent questions or comments or say anything witty. It was practically a television train wreck. Luckily, Paris was very sweet, understanding, and kind. It was almost as if she could sense my nervousness and wanted me to relax. Thankfully, I made it out alive and can say that I learned from the experience.
Working at Star! Daily has been one of the most challenging jobs I’ve ever had. I know what you’re thinking, “How can talking to people and being on television be hard?” You’d be surprised how much work it takes to actually make television look fun and easy. Frankly, I was just as surprised as anyone. That being said, not all of my interviewing experiences have been as exciting as meeting Paris, but they were just as meaningful to me. For example, meeting Carrie Underwood really meant a lot to me. Not only am I a huge Carrie Underwood fan and an American Idol addict, but my Mom is also a huge fan. I remember how excited my mom was when I found out I’d be interviewing Carrie, and she wasn’t even going to meet her. It was because of Mom’s excitement that I decided to get her Carrie Underwood’s autograph, and a photo of me with the country superstar to give to her as a Christmas present. I wasn’t sure how meeting Carrie Underwood would feel, and as amazing as it was at the time, nothing will compare to the look on my Mother’s face when she opened her Christmas present and saw the framed photo and autograph. They say that the best gift you can receive is the ability to show kindness to another person.
I could go on for days about the amazing people I’ve met, the adventures I’ve gone on, and the fantastic memories that I’ll never be able to forget. To everyone who voted for me so long ago and to everyone who continues to support me today, thank you so much. Your support and your kindness has meant more to me than you can ever know. For everyone at Star!, and Star! Daily, thank you for helping me to grow as a person, and to understand that life doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. Finally, to my friends and family who have been with me during my journey over the past twenty-one years, your love and kindness mean the world, and even if tomorrow I’m no longer living my dreams, thank you for helping me to have the strength to believe.
Sean (Here’s to another year!)
