KCRW’s July Volunteer of the Month

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Meet Rose Boubion! She’s a stellar Santa Monica College student, who started her time with us last year as one of our Summer Marketing Interns, became an SMC intern, and is now one of Jason Bentley’s weekly Morning Becomes Eclectic production assistants. Whether it’s in the fast-paced environment of a KCRW event or the steady flow of the morning music program, Rose handles each responsibility with great attention to detail.  For these reasons and more, she’s our July Volunteer of the Month!

Where did you grow up and do you have any siblings? Pets?

I’m from Monterey Park, which is the first city east of LA if you’re driving on the 10. It’s mostly known for its Chinese food, so if you want something good to eat I’d look in that direction. I have 3 siblings and a pitbull who thinks he’s my 4th sibling.

What 5 things would you wish you had if you were stranded on a deserted island?

  • Food
  • A lighter
  • A companion
  • A journal
  • Bug repellent because I’m more attractive to mosquitos than the average person!

What is your current occupation / what do you do outside of KCRW?

I am a student and I also work as a cashier at a restaurant. Other than that I like to explore and discover new things, whether it’s trying new hikes or looking for concerts to go to.

What is your fantasy occupation?

Ok, in my super fantasy world, I’d be a world-renowned street artist with murals and pieces all over the globe. I have yet to learn how to create my art on a large scale like that so for now it’ll stay a fantasy. In a more ‘realistic’ vein I wanna replace Ira Glass on “This American Life” if/when he retires. Or be a radio journalist of some kind. Just being able to share stories would be ideal.

When did you first discover KCRW?

I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to it since middle school, because my parents would tune in to a lot of the NPR programming in the mornings. I became more aware of it when I started high school and my art teacher would listen to Morning Becomes Eclectic every day, no matter what. After that I got into more of the music shows, and it just became my main station.

How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?

I had started school at SMC and was walking through campus one day and saw a KCRW sticker on something, probably a vending machine. I then remembered that the station was connected to the school, so I looked it up and started emailing the station for every possible opportunity to get involved until I got the Summer Marketing Internship.

What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?

Right now I’m a Production Assistant on Morning Becomes Eclectic. I’ve been doing it since March, I believe. It’s definitely one of the coolest things I’ve done and tons of fun so whenever I meet someone who’s familiar with the station or show I kind of brag about it.

Favorite volunteer moment?

I think every time I do production assistance for a show and the DJ credits my name at the end is one of the coolest things. I always get so excited thinking about how many people are tuned in and can hear it. I also really liked working one of the Sound in Focus concerts last summer, it was amazing to see how many people it took to put it together and you meet so many staff members and other volunteers, so it was a lot of fun.

How was being a Santa Monica College student helped being involved with KCRW?

It was the catalyst for me being involved with the station! I wouldn’t have thought to reach out if I hadn’t seen that sticker on campus. It’s also great that there’s an internship specifically for SMC students, because that really helped me learn my way around the station.

If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?

I might accidentally say something embarrassing like, “This is Rose and you’re listening to KCRW, peace and love to everyone.” I’d probably also shout out my high school art teacher for being cool.

What song(s) have you hit repeat on lately?

How Beautiful You Are by The Cure, ESP by N.E.R.D., Houses Of The Holy by Led Zeppelin, and Feel Like A Fool by Kali Uchis.

Favorite book, movie?

Favorite book is definitely A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Francie is a character that has always resonated with me, and I also love that the book has no “climax” or main conflict, it’s just a display of her life and some of the stories around her as well. I’m not sure what my favorite movie is, probably “Almost Famous.”

Favorite thing to do outside the station?

I really like museums. I haven’t been to any in a while because work and school is so time consuming, but museums are fun, and I especially love going to art galleries.

What does KCRW mean to you?

KCRW means endless exploration! New music, new ideas, new people: you can discover it all, and I’ve gotten to experience it both as a listener and as someone from within the station.

And here’s what Rose means to KCRW:

Rose is always asking if there’s anything more she can do to help, always reaching out for new opportunities to grow, and never hesitant to share her passion for music or all things KCRW.  She means someone who will remain calm in the face of chaos and go above and beyond to solve any problem that will arise. Her great sense of humor and laid-back vibe always makes it a pleasure to work with her. We can’t wait to see all the paintings she’ll paint and the places she’ll go!

Rose, thank you for all your help with us. We’re so happy you’re on the team!