Meet Cydney Adams, a "23-year-old wannabe New Yorker" who is now "figuring out how to adult". Our #WCW is definitely doing it right as the Coordinating Producer for CBS Evening News:
1. What's your story? What makes you unique?
I moved to New York City a month after college graduation with about $1,000 in graduation money, no job, and no where to live. CBS News had offered me a position, but no starting date. It was basically a "we'll call you when we're ready" situation, and they told me to be prepared to wait until September. But I couldn't wait -- it was NYC or nothing for me. I was all in.
For the next three weeks, I lived off of street cart bagels, $1 pizza, and the generosity of friends with couches. I applied for a temp agency and got hired to start working fill-in jobs to make some cash, but (thankfully) CBS called me on day two in NYC asking if I could start in two weeks. And that's that! I've been with CBS News for over a year and a half now, in a number of different positions. I recently took on a new position as the Web Coordinating Broadcast Producer for the CBS Evening News.
2. What motivates you?
Well, two things. First: The future! I can't believe my parents were right -- time really does speed up as you get older. The past few years have gone by faster than I want to admit. I know, I know, I'm only 23. But I feel motivated to pursue my passions now, because I may not always have time that is just mine. I want to experience as much as possible now, so I can be where I want to be in 20 years.
Second: A story that needs to be told. So many people in this world have voices that can't always be heard. The thing I love most about the industry I'm in is that we strive to tell those stories.
3. Who is a hero of yours?
My parents -- I don't care if that is a cliche answer. They have both overcome so much adversity in their lives, and managed to land on their feet. For the majority of my life, my mom worked a full time career while also being the swim team, soccer, cheerleading team mom. My dad also never missed a soccer game, or cheer competition, or track meet, or play. In elementary school, he was the class dad. They are just awesome, hilarious, thoughtful people, and my biggest supporters. I'm constantly laughing with my friends about how amazing and entertaining my parents are. They taught me to love and
accept people for who they are, and that life
is a series of journeys to be thankful for.
4. What's your future plan? Your goals?
I'd eventually like to go entirely digital. I believe that's really the future of our business, and I feel that's where I'm most creative and motivated. Online, your message can be whatever you want it to be. My long term goal...I would be lying if I said I'm not still trying to figure it out. Every day I learn something new that intrigues me, and that gets me a little bit closer to an answer. I've recently accepted that it's ok to just not know. It's worked out so far :)
5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
Go for it. Just do it (lol). Seriously, if there's one thing I have learned, it's that you'll never feel truly ready to take that big leap. I wouldn't be where I am now if I had waited for the phone to ring. So, even if the job you want says you need 1 more year of experience, or you're nervous to take a different path than you thought you would, or you're considering a big move to a new city, a first date, a new work out class. Whatever it is -- just go for it. Why not?
6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?
Oh man, there are so many things! A cure for cancer, a solution for homelessness, an end to addiction, access to education. The biggest one would be compassion. I know that's not really a cause or belief, but I feel so strongly about that. It's really hard for me to understand a lack of compassion for others. If we took more time to consider life from another's perspective, I think so many of our differences would seem much, much smaller.
7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?
Honestly, moving to New York with literally nothing planned out. Maybe that makes me bland, but it's the most exciting and daring thing I've ever done in my life. I could probably never do it again -- just thinking about it makes my stomach drop. But at the time, it just made sense. It felt totally normal.
8. Anything we haven't asked that you'd like to talk about.
I would just like to say, it's definitely Leo's year. I'm watching you, Academy.
If you'd like to reach out to Cydney for mentorship opportunities, you can email her HERE.