Heading back to Uni

They say 'third time lucky' and I am going to test this theory out by returning to University for the third time. Now I have been a big geek since the day I was born, with an unusual obsession with academia. However, even I have to admit that maybe I am taking this obsession a tad too far now. 

The momentous occasion of becoming a student again will happen on Wednesday at Thames Valley University. I have been accepted on an internship programme that involved 6 weeks working in Central London (yeah baby!) and two weeks studying at Uni. I will be developing key skills for professional careers that are often lacking in new graduates.

So basically I’m getting money, experience and most importantly a STUDENT CARD. It seems like a win, win, win situation and I am excited to say the least.

Auditioning to be a KISS presenter

Me on the microphone

This weekend Shannon and I went along to Westfields to audition to be 'The Kiss Chosen One'. The purpose of the competition was to be Kiss' next presenter. From a young age I have had an on-off relationship with presenting, as a result of having presented in front of thousands in my local theatre to radio presenting my Top 30 on Trent FM. This passion lay dormant until earlier this year MTV held a competition to become an MTV presenter. However, the competition was more of a popularity contest than talent competition and needless to say I didn't make the top 10.

So standing in the queue trying to decide why I should be the Chosen One I couldn't control my nerves. I felt sick with my stomach churning away, but it made me feel alive. I remembered at that moment why I came to London - to do things I would never get the opportunity to do otherwise.

The outcome of the audition was not what I had hoped for. I was told that I had the right personality and look (not sure you need the 'look' for radio) but my personality didn't come through when reading a script. So I am now trying to unleash my personality through my voice and audition again in a few weeks. Me and the microphone will be reunited.

Hip Hop Honey

Now I spend too much time watching music videos. I love them, infact, I'm obsessed! I don’t want any other channels on my television except MTV and Kiss, but for now I am happy with my free Viva.

I dream of working in the industry I would love to choreograph, write the concepts, direct, edit…and occasional I have considered, would I like to be the other side the Hip Hop Honeyz.

Last night BBC3 present Music, Money and Hip Hop Honeys. This showed the world of music videos and the reality of trying to be a Hip Hop Honey. What I found shocking was the difference between the UK and USA. In America lead women were making up to $12,000 for a single video. That equates to $6,000 a day. Whereas in the UK the majority of women work for free.

Why is there such a difference between the countries. I think it is partially to do with the status of the artists. In America you can be a Hip Hop Honey for Jay-Z, 50 Cent, P-Diddy, whereas the UK example with K.I.G and So Solid Crew. Obviously, they are in different leagues, which has resulted in the poorer working situation this side of the ocean.

What I found most worrying about the documentary was the lengths women would go to, to enhance their body in order to increase their chances of become a Hip Hop Honey. Now I think that music videos are exploitive, but it is a woman’s choice what she does with her body. However, to change your body primarily to try and get into an industry, which for the most part will not actually support you financially seems inconceivable.

Now I am not going to say I would not like to appear in a music video. I would love to say that’s me there, but I am happy to see a glimpse of me in a crowd. There is no way I am going to spend thousands of pounds and years to become a Hip Hop Honey, shake my ass scantily clad in 10 videos and then do what for the rest of my life?