Finding your passion!
Finding your passion is something that most of us struggle to do no matter what age, creed or color. Inspiration is what fuels us to follow our passion in any field and sports journalism has met its match. Kelsey Nelson, a sports journalist, professor, speaker, and radio personality calls on everyone to follow their dreams the way she is following hers.
CaribDomain spoke with Nelson on a variety of topics related to her field and the charming hostess did not disappoint with the vast amount of knowledge and inspiration she had to offer. Nelson has made her mark in the sports industry trailblazing through a multitude of experiences for the sake of following her passion. This passion was fueled by the support she received from her family, especially her father, an avid sports fan.
Nelson calls her parents her greatest inspirations who have constantly cheered her along on her journey through life. Her special bond with her father is what first introduced her to the field of sports. Shouting out her best friend she tells how her #GirlDad was her first coach and teacher. Her father taught her that even if she gets knocked down or life throws a hard ball, to always believe in herself.
Speaking on technical skills, her father taught her the game of basketball, or as she calls it, the game of life. Through this experience, she was always reminded to love and value herself and most importantly to always know her worth. She states it is vital to know your worth early, especially in her industry. In speaking on ways to do this she recalls her time as a freelancer.
“No one lays out for you what you should be getting for opportunities. I started out freelancing and didn’t realize at first that my professional opportunities should have (been) paid. Pay can look different for many. For instance, if the opportunity isn’t paid, is there a stipend they can give you, can they assist with relocation fees, transportation fees, etc?”
Just being in journalism is one thing but sports journalism draws on a field of excitement, competition, and camaraderie. When it comes to sports, Nelson calls it one of her first loves. Sports appeal to a competitive nature but also offers the opportunity for camaraderie.
“I realized the power of sports to bring us together. Where else can you be in an environment cheering for the same team with people of different backgrounds? Sports transcend all our differences and connect us with the same cause.
The competition of it appeals to a pressure-driven side which Nelson feels puts her in ‘game mode’. We all have our game mode when it comes to getting done the work we wish to accomplish. Like a coach screaming from the side lines, Nelson details that during this time of work and opportunity, it is imperative that you don’t stop playing the game until it is won.
This especially calls on recent events where everyone came together for the FIFA World Cup. Flying flags, and singing anthems but also using it as an opportunity to get across their political statements. Highlighting previous talks on her show, “Listen in with KNN”, Nelson speaks on the impact sports have had in helping to change societal norms.
“Whether it was Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, Colin Kaepernick kneeling to protest police brutality, the Wyoming Black 14 standing up for what they believe in, and so many other examples sports have helped to lead by example and change the world for the better and forcing to have needed and necessary sometimes uncomfortable conversations.”
Working in the media industry has reflected many challenges that Nelson feels can be overcome by staying multifaceted and skilled in a variety of fields. She cites her biggest challenge as finding the right opportunities. The reasoning behind this has to do with the sport journalism industry’s cutback in the costs of employees as well as the huge leap into the digital age. She went on to speak about how the sports industry needs to diversify and create more space for black women.
“As a woman, it can be a challenge to find your voice in a world filled with heavy naysayers and some who can’t get past your gender. As a Black woman, it’s fighting to be considered and given an opportunity. Far too often women’s voices are muted, rejected, second-guessed, or not invited.”
Despite these challenges, Nelson perseveres in her field by letting her competitive nature take over and stepping into ‘game’ mode. In this state she says that no matter what you never stop playing the game until the whistle blows. This means giving it everything you got and understanding that no matter where the arena is, know that you belong.
“By far the best advice I’ve ever gotten is to know I always belong. You are more than enough, and your time will come. You belonged yesterday, you belong today, and you will belong tomorrow. You control your sense of belonging.”
Nelson offers a guide that when you find your passion embrace it. Especially in the field of sports journalism where she encourages all unique voices to do as she does and add their personality when communicating with an audience. That the best voices go above and beyond score telling but instead paint an overall story that draws viewers and listeners into the game.
“Once you find your passion, I believe you’ve found your purpose, and with that purpose, you use that platform throughout life to elevate that purpose. I’ve worked to make my passion for journalism my life work and there’s no greater feeling than finding your purpose.”
Through her work in journalism, she finds joy in drawing to light unheard and untold stories by being a voice for the voiceless. She quotes, “What we do in life echoes in eternity”. This draws on her feelings that work done in journalism can, will, and transcends time.
Currently, Nelson spends her time working as a capstone advisor for the Georgetown University School of Continuing studies as well as an adjunct media professor of ‘Intro to Radio and Podcasting’ at Doral College where she works with students who run Slam! Radio on SiriusXM Ch. 145. One of her most recent works include hosting the National Black MBA Association DC Chapter executive board inauguration.
“My favorite quote that I end all my emails with is “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.” This is from the great Oprah Winfrey and it’s near and dear to my heart. I genuinely believe with an education you get a chance to unlock various doors and windows of possibilities. Education provides the building blocks for your future.”
Nelson, who understands the concept of being raised by and contributing back to the village continues to work on investing in the next generation of journalists. She also works as a media mentor for Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts and the Urban Health Media Project.
She continues to offer support to other nonprofit organizations and serving as the co-chair of the ambassador program for the Nation Association of Black Journalists Sports Task Force. She maintains a seat on the board of the Most Valuable Kids (MVK) nonprofit organization.
With all the work she enjoys doing, during her leisure time she also enjoys traveling, writing poetry, performing spoken word, and spending time with family. You can currently find her on the sidelines covering Super Bowl VII in Arizona.
As she continues down the winding road to success she embraces the journey and the lessons it teaches her. Leaving behind a phrase coined by NBA champion and two-time all-star Caron Butler, Nelson lists the 3 D’s to succeed. That is dedication, determination, and discipline. When used in tandem together, she says they can help to ensure you stay on the path to success.
From her story she wants readers to know that she has always done what she needed to do in her way. She didn’t follow society’s standards or predetermined beliefs about her abilities.
“Everyone told me that I’d never be able to make it in Washington, D.C. But this is my home and there’s truly no place like home. I didn’t see a reason in leaving a place that was where I always wanted to be. In the words of the late great Nipsey Hussle “all my life, been grindin’ all my life” as the marathon continues. My story is still being written with chapters untold but I am the narrator of my story and I dictate the next chapters.”