As you know by now, KCRW really, really likes and needs its volunteers. They are dedicated, believe in the cause, and lend more than a helping hand. They truly contribute to the community conversation that is KCRW.
Say hello to one of those contributors — Monika Scott. She came to us as an SMC Intern (a student here at Santa Monica College). We couldn’t even begin to tell you how often she helps out because we see her all the time. Some staffers think she’s the newest co-worker! In many ways she is. She is tireless and always chipper, a refreshing change when some of us start to feel as worn out as a skater’s old Vans!
Where did you grow up and are you an only child?
I grew up all over Southern California, spending chunks of time in Hollywood, North County San Diego, and Orange County. I have a half sister that is 13 and a half brother that is 9. It’s weird to be twice as old as my sister.
What is your current occupation?
I work as an Esthetician at Massage Envy on the weekends and I’m also a student at Santa Monica College studying broadcasting and journalism.
What is your fantasy occupation?
My dream is to be a staff writer for a comedy show. Storytelling and comedy writing are major hobbies of mine so if someone would start paying me to do that that would be ideal. I have so many creative hobbies that really to have someone pay me to do any of them would be great, be it writing, painting or knitting. (Yes, I knit. No, I’m not 90 years old.)
When did you first discover KCRW?
The first time I ever heard KCRW was on my birthday in 2008 and I heard Simon Pegg on The Treatment. I was just futzing around with the radio dial, trying to find something (anything!) that was engaging to me. That interview was one of the most fascinating interviews I had ever heard. A few days later I heard Gary Jules on Morning Becomes Eclectic. I was hooked on all the programming from then.
How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?
I took a broadcasting class last semester and an opportunity came up to volunteer for the Also I Like To Rock concert series at the Hammer Museum for KCRW. KCRW was the reason I went back to school for broadcasting so I jumped at the chance! I asked if there were any more ways I can be involved and started the next week with a regular shift working at the front desk.
What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?
I started volunteering in July of 2010. Right now I wear as many hats as I can fit on my head. I spend the majority of my time assisting the Rachel Reynolds in the music publicity department, helping with press clippings and updating our files and generally trying to keep life in the music publicity department as organized as possible. Besides that I also work at the front desk, I work in the music library with Eric J Lawrence, and I’ve occasionally done production assistance for Garth Trinidad and Raul Campos. This week because of the drive I’ve been helping Laura Shumate and focusing on helping the drive go smoothly. I’m still so excited to be involved and I can’t believe that I am as lucky as I am.
Favorite volunteer moment?
It was a dream of mine to be a part of KCRW so if I can cheese out for a second, just setting foot into KCRW was my first favorite volunteer moment. But the dishier story of my favorite volunteer moment was getting to meet Mike Birbiglia when he came in for Guest DJ Project. I’ve been a die hard Mike Birbiglia fan for years! I came in one morning and started working at my desk and a few minutes later Rachel Reynolds was introducing me to him. He was so sweet to me and he autographed my book and even offered to take a picture with me. Meeting one of my storytelling heroes was more than just my favorite volunteer moment, it was definitely one of my favorite life moments.
If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?
This is a pretty loaded question that I wish I had a good answer to….but I really don’t. If I ever say anything on the mic I can die happy.
What song have you hit repeat on lately?
I’ve had two that I’ve gone back and forth with! The Tennis song “Marathon” is on repeat when I’m feeling bouncy and uppity. When I’m reflective I switch it out for James Vincent McMorrow’s song “This Old Dark Machine” so I can ponder to his dreamy voice. Both of which I discovered on the kcrw music blog.
Favorite book, movie?
My favorite movie is The Fall. My favorite book is The Little Prince.
Favorite thing to do outside the station (hobbies, recreation, etc.)?
When I’m not at the station or at school or at the spa…first I sleep. On the off chance I’m awake I love to cook! I’ve been working on my home made bagel recipe for a few weeks now, it’s almost perfected. I also watch a fair amount of movies or television and then I spend an embarrassingly long time talking about what I thought about it with whomever was foolish enough to watch it with me. (I’m weirdly opinionated about movies and television) I’m also a big stand up comedy geek so I try to watch a lot of stand up. The UCB theater is one of my favorite places to go see live comedy.
What does KCRW mean to you?
KCRW means a community that I fit into. It means a community where people are interested in similar things to me and we can learn from one another about different things going on in our community and the rest of the world. The people I meet through KCRW (including station staff, other volunteers, or other listeners I meet at events) are some of the most down to earth and interesting people and everyone has something to teach me and I just can’t soak it up fast enough. I feel so comfortable in the environment KCRW creates. Really, KCRW means home to me.
To us, Monika is good for laughing at even our dumbest jokes without a hint of cynicism. That is golden! She is that dedicated person that we think will be around forever because at this point, we can’t picture the place without her! Thanks Monika. You rock.
