The Conservatory of Music and Dance at University of Missouri – Kansas City.
Kaylea’s first college visit.
So many questions and uncertainties.
I remember walking the campus of SMSU with Mom for my only college visit, uncertain of what degree I’d like to pursue. I was suffering from an extreme case of senioritis. No school sounded good at the time. But SMSU was a life-changing experience for me. I am praying Kaylea’s college experience will likewise further prepare her for the ever-changing future.
The Conservatory is only 10 minutes away from my favorite mural in KC. Located on the corner of Paseo and 19th is the massive mural of Buck O’Neil as manager of the KC Monarchs alongside several players, including Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson. A miniature field sits in front of the mural, perfect for a game of wiffle ball or catch.
For the past few years, most every Sunday morning, I’d drive Kaylea to church so she could practice and then play violin in the worship band. While I woke up and while I waited for Kaylea to get ready, I’d watch the news. Almost every Sunday, Shayla was on the TV. For four years, Shayla was a reporter for KY3, the NBC affiliate in Springfield.
Shayla came to Springfield to play volleyball at MSU and study journalism — thirteen hours away from home. (I cannot imagine Kaylea going to school thirteen hours away to a city where she knows no one!) Upon landing at the old Springfield airport, her first impression of Springfield was somewhat suspect, but that quickly changed.
“My time at MSU created several good opportunities, both personally and professionally.”
Shayla’s covered everything from the tornado in Joplin to the Royals World Series games. She is always on the lookout for a good story.
“In the 60-year history of the station, I was only the second black reporter.”
The impact and importance of Shayla’s tenure and work in Springfield cannot be overstated.
I was introduced to Shayla when she was on the board at Ozarks Literacy Council and was thrilled to get an invitation to tell baseball stories on her radio show. But only a couple weeks after we connected, Shayla moved to KC to join the Fox 4 News Team.
I asked Shayla for her graduation speech advice, hoping for wisdom about life through major transitions.
“Take risks. Make new friends. And join the weirdest club you can find; you never know what you might learn.”
Kansas City is privileged to have Shayla helping tell its stories.
And thank you Shayla for joining the #Catch365 Club!
