My First Two Semesters at UNLV: What Really Happened

I moved to Las Vegas in August of 2024, not really sure what I was doing but I knew I wanted to be away from home. I’ve always loved Memphis. I grew up there, at least partially, but I knew that for my career goals and whatever it was I wanted to be part of, I didn’t want to do it there. And when you know it’s time, it’s just time.

I wanted to get into entertainment, and I used my experiences at The ROAR, my college radio station back in Memphis, to support that dream fully. I didn’t have a resume when I got to Vegas, and honestly, I was terrified. I had to put myself out there on my own, live alone for the first time, and figure out how to manage my time all by myself.

My first semester, I worked at the school radio station. And let me tell you, I love radio. But I hated playing Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter on a loop every day. I wasn’t engaged by the end of the semester, and afterward, I felt a little down about it. But on to the next! I also felt like I needed a job that allowed me to have more creative freedom, and interviews and talking every 30 seconds wasn't enough for me. Opportunities are always available to me, no matter how long they take to show up.

After that, I thought, “Maybe I should work with kids again.” I had done it over the summer and a little during my freshman and sophomore years in Memphis. And there was a point while I was here where I really thought I was going to have to go into teaching, because I just didn’t see it anymore for journalism. I wish I could insert one of those loud wrong-answer buzzer sounds here because WRONG. Teachers should be passionate. They should love what they do. And I literally would’ve been the worst teacher ever. I even did an assistant teaching program just to test the waters.

Waters were tested. Patience was tested. It was a hard no.

Luckily, it was Winter Break by the time all of this was over, and I knew I needed to get into a different form of journalism. Over break, I applied to two internships. One was at a TV station, and the other was in community outreach. I figured, why not try something new?

A couple of weeks go by, and I hear back from the TV station. It was for a show my brother and my friend Andre had mentioned to me before. Literally right before I moved here. He knew I wanted to work in lifestyle, and me, him, and Johnny Hill were looking up cool places for me to get that kind of experience. Las Vegas Now was the dream internship. I got to see all parts of journalism: producing, booking guests, and learning what it’s like to be a host or anchor. It was amazing.

I had my hands in everything. Writing stories, posting on social media, and overall making connections that truly fulfilled me. I was working that internship two to three days a week while still being a full-time college student and having a great time. But then the time management issues started to hit. I was getting a taste of the real world. After the show, I’d come home and not want to do anything, even when I knew homework was due. I wanted to party on Saturday, but homework was due Sunday. Priorities.

On top of that, April comes along and another opportunity shows up. I get an email from the Las Vegas Aces about an internship in Community. It was so weird because I had written on my vision board and in my goal list that I was going to work with a major company. And it happened. Literally twice. So along with working at KLAS and trying to stay focused on school, I took on another responsibility. One I knew I couldn’t pass up. And it came at the perfect time because my TV station internship was starting to wrap up.

After working both at the TV station and in community outreach with the Aces, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. And it became super clear. It hit me like a wall. This was my dream. Connecting with small businesses like I did at Las Vegas Now, watching Natalia produce the show, seeing the process of booking guests, and the smile and exposure it gave them really made my heart warm. Writing stories about some of my favorite artists and all the entertainment action around Vegas has been amazing.

Now, I know I said I could never be a teacher, but I love kids. They’re fun, full of personality, and anytime I worked with them, I enjoyed myself. As long as teaching wasn’t involved. With the Las Vegas Aces, I’ve been able to be a part of events that truly help and support the community. A teacher appreciation dinner, a mental health "Mind in the Game" event for high school students. These are events I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of.

I’m almost forgetting the most important part—I met the coolest people. In my very first audio class, I met Jay and Bisa, who both ended up being part of my NABJ experience. The organization wasn’t even a thing in the state of Nevada until Bisa brought the group together. Now, I’m the president, following her amazing leadership, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her—and for my advisor, Professor Witcher, who encouraged me to step more into writing about music and entertainment. He even gave me the opportunity to have dinner with Morgan James and Doug Wamble.

My Fall 2025 semester was so fun. My Civic Engagement class was a highlight. My group was amazing, and I got to learn so much more about myself just by working with them.

Here’s the caveat, though: burnout.

By March, I was going insane. I was trying to juggle two jobs, school, and maintain my relationships. Anyone who knows me knows that if you want my attention, your best bet… well, good luck. It got worse. I wasn’t responding to texts. I didn’t want to do anything after work. I wasn’t even interested in doing homework. That part didn’t last long, but everything else did.

I didn’t miss Memphis .. like at all. I missed my mom. I missed her being 25 minutes away. I missed being in the same house with her. I had friends out here, but I have this bad habit of going through things and not telling anyone. I’ve always felt like the one friend I can share everything with is Devin. We’re so alike, and I think that’s why. So shoutout to Devin.

Anyway, I was burned out. And even though I knew I was doing a lot already, in true Paige fashion, I piled more on. Because I came here to “not fail.” Whatever that even means. Looking back, I realize it was just me chasing more and more without appreciating what I had. It took until mid-May to realize that’s what I’d been doing since August.

What does it mean to succeed and keep going without stopping to reflect? That’s not thriving. That’s surviving. But what was I even surviving? My life was fine. Actually, my life was great. My parents were supporting me from afar in every way they could. But I was missing something. I was missing reassurance. That comfort of family and old friends started to weigh on me.

It was weird hyping myself up alone. Not coming home to my mom surprising me with a gift or taking me to dinner. I didn’t have my crew from the University of Memphis to walk around campus with or explore journalism with. I had to do it on my own, and I honestly believe that’s the reason I’m where I am right now. I built my confidence up, and I succeeded at almost everything I put my mind to.

Now, as I wrap up my junior year, I can truly say I’ve accomplished more than I would’ve if I had stayed home. I’ve done a lot. My internship at Las Vegas Now introduced me to chefs, comedians, showgirls, nutritionists, and PR reps. Working with the Las Vegas Aces taught me how to organize, reach out for a cause, and connect with the community around me. My time as Vice President of UNLV NABJ taught me leadership, how to organize, and how to bring people together. Now, as President, I’m bringing everything I learned from the leaders before me.

At UNLV, I’ve taken classes that truly meant something to me. Podcasting, production, writing, directing. And even now, my goals haven’t changed. I want to be a part of something meaningful. Something that builds community, whether through writing, producing, or outreach.

I’m so thankful for this journey.

I can’t wait to recap my final year in college.