Senator Keenan at WRPS

I am James Levasseur. I host a student-run show called the Bulldog Breakdown. It is a journalism type show and I am proud to say that I have interviewed Massachusetts State Senator John Keenan, NESN Producer Br

ian Zechello, and Rockland Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron. The interview that I want to talk about is interviewing Senator Keenan. Since I was a little kid I was always shy and never really put myself out there, I have now grown out of being that shy kid. This is mostly because I have amazing support with the crew at WRPS, and most importantly support from my mom and dad. They have always supported me through my high school broadcasting career and always pushed for me to do more, and I am forever grateful for that as they have raised me to be the man I am today. I was able to set up this interview through my friend/mentor Seth Rosczewski, as he helped me get in touch with Senator Keenan. When I got confirmation that I was doing this interview,  I was excited and nervous, I knew that I was interviewing a State Senator, so the nervousness was at an all-time high, but if I let that carry into the episode then there would be mistakes and I hate making mistakes because I like to hold myself to high standards, especially since this is supposed to be a professional interview. When I told my parents that I was interviewing the Senator, they were over the moon with excitement. They even had their own questions for me and that gave me the idea to create a form for residents to submit their own inquiries that they may have for the Senator. This is what my show is for anyway, I like to be a voice for the people and students in my community. The form had some great responses and I was able to use all of the questions on the form that people submitted. As the date of the interview came closer, I was always checking my questions and refining them so that they were the best they could possibly be. On the day of the interview, I dressed up for school in hopes that it would spark interest for people to ask and so I could proudly tell them that I am going to be interviewing a State Senator. After school it was time for the interview, I was nervous but as soon as I shook Senator Keenan's hand, it went away. The butterflies in my stomach completely disappeared. It was almost like my body knew that it was time to stop being nervous and act professional so I could make a good impression in front of my guests, which is always what I strive for. During the interview I was in the zone, I have gotten into a groove with these interviews where I can be confident and ask my guest questions and answer any follow up questions they may have for me. After the interview I thanked Senator Keenan for his time and took a picture. It was a huge opportunity for me and it has helped me open up to bigger and better opportunities in my future. I could not have done it without the support from my mentor Seth Rosczewski, WRPS manager Lisa Breeden, and the undying support from my mom and dad. With all that being said, if you aspire to get into broadcasting or anything at all, just take any opportunity thrown your way and use all resources you may have. Below is a link to my channel and I would love for you to check it out, thank you!

Show link!!!

James Levasseur

Junior at Rockland High School

Host of the Bulldog Breakdown