On October 1–2, 2026, I had the opportunity to attend the McLendon Foundation Conference, an experience that genuinely shifted my perspective on my future and the steps I’m taking to get there. As a Mass Communication student at North Carolina Central University with aspirations of becoming a sports reporter and interviewer, I am constantly looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with professionals in the sports industry. However, this conference gave me so much more than I expected.
One of the biggest things that stood out to me was the environment itself. Being surrounded by individuals who were just as passionate, motivated, and eager to succeed was refreshing. There was something contagious about being in a room full of people who genuinely wanted to see one another grow. The conversations were honest, the advice was meaningful, and the connections felt genuine.
Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to listen to several incredible professionals share their experiences, challenges, and lessons from their careers. While I took something away from every conversation, a few moments stood out to me the most.
Learning to Embrace Failure
One of the most impactful sessions I attended was led by Britt Hunter. I also had the opportunity to volunteer as a session writer through Scribe ELITE, which made the experience even more meaningful.
One of my biggest takeaways from Britt’s session was learning not to take failure personally. As someone who is extremely passionate about my goals, I sometimes put pressure on myself to get everything right. However, hearing her perspective reminded me that rejection and setbacks are not necessarily reflections of my abilities or potential.
Instead of dwelling on what didn’t work out, I should be asking myself what I can learn from the experience, how I can improve, and what I can do differently moving forward.
That message stuck with me because pursuing a career in sports media is not always going to be easy. There will be opportunities I don’t receive, interviews that don’t go as planned, and moments when I question myself. But none of those experiences should stop me from continuing to pursue what I love.
Finding My Voice in Sports Media
Another conversation that really stood out to me was with Ro Rhodes, who shared valuable advice about developing my skills and finding my place in the media industry.
One thing I appreciated was the reminder that growth doesn’t always have to happen publicly. Sometimes it looks like practicing interviews with people you trust, asking for honest feedback, exploring different interests, and creating content simply to improve your craft.
As someone who wants to build a career interviewing athletes and professionals, that advice was especially important. It reminded me that I don’t have to wait for a major opportunity or a big platform to start becoming the journalist I want to be.
Every interview, every story, and every opportunity to practice is another chance to improve. Even the work that never gets posted can contribute to my development.
The Power of Being in the Right Room
Another highlight of the conference was hearing Joanna speak. Her session was one of the moments that left a lasting impression on me.
But beyond the individual sessions, my favorite part of the entire experience was the opportunity to network and hear people’s stories.
I genuinely enjoy learning about how people got to where they are today. Hearing about the different paths, challenges, and decisions that shaped their careers reminded me that there isn’t just one way to become successful.
What made the experience even more special was how willing people were to share their knowledge. The conversations didn’t feel like people simply telling us what we should do. They felt like genuine exchanges between people who understood the importance of helping the next generation succeed.
Being in that environment reminded me why I love storytelling and why I want to work in sports media in the first place. Everyone has a story worth telling, and sometimes all it takes is someone willing to ask the right questions and listen.
Taking What I Learned Into My Future
As the President of Black Women in Sports at NCCU and an aspiring sports journalist, I left the conference thinking about how I could apply these lessons not only to my own professional development but also to the opportunities I help create for others.
The experience encouraged me to be more intentional about building relationships, developing my interviewing skills, seeking feedback, and making the most of the opportunities already in front of me.
Most importantly, it challenged me to rethink how I approach my goals. I realized that preparing for the career I want isn’t just about collecting experiences or adding accomplishments to my résumé. It’s about being willing to learn, stepping outside my comfort zone, building meaningful connections, and continuously working to become better.
I went into the McLendon Foundation Conference hoping to gain knowledge and make connections. I left with a completely different perspective on how I want to approach my journey.
If there’s one thing this experience taught me, it’s that success isn’t just about getting into the right rooms. It’s about what you learn while you’re there, the relationships you build, and what you choose to do once you leave.
And for me, this is only the beginning.
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