It seems kind of strange to attribute my choice of career to a fictional character, but the truth is, I choose to make a career in broadcast journalism based on Mary Richards the main character of the Mary Tyler Moore show. Though the show went off the air a few months before I was born, I discovered The Mary Tyler Moore Show late at night watching re-runs on Nick at Night and I developed such a girl crush that I modeled an entire career on the star! I loved Mary’s independence, kind-heartedness, optimism, vibrant friendships, work ethic and fearless feminism. At the time I didn’t’ know much about the role that the show played in breaking many stereotypes about working women, I just loved her job and wanted to do what she was doing. Years later I would find myself in newsrooms in Durham, NC listening to a police scanner or in the Bronx covering local interest stories and think—look at me, I am Mary Richards!
Mary Tyler Moore was a role model for my entire career journey; her recent death made me re-look at the influences in my own life and career and wonder who else has a story they want to share. With this in mind The Second Shift is launching a new series #wominspired and we are asking for our members to tell their own stories about individuals, fictional or real, who were a driving force in shaping their professional lives. We will continue personal inspiration stories from Second Shift team members with weekly blog posts. Please post from your own social media accounts using #wominspired and we will share your stories on our blog as well.
Stayed tuned for Gina’s story next week and we are excited to hear from you!
Jenny
Image Via: The New York Times