Good Morning America!

On October 21st I had the amazing opportunity of going behind the scenes of Good Morning America at the ABC studios in Times Square, New York City. I guess I should start with explaining how I actually got this great opportunity. One evening last summer I was hanging out at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Lancaster. We were outside and their new neighbors pulled into their driveway. They started walking over to say hello, so I introduced myself. The couple appeared to be young, and there was an older couple with them, along with a golden retriever. I soon found out the older couple is the girl, Kristin's, parents. Also, the dog is a service dog for her mom who is blind. Then, the older gentleman introduces himself as Gary. My Aunt then proceeded to tell them that I work for WGAL, because my family is always embarrassingly bragging to people. Then Gary casually says he runs audio for GOOD MORNING AMERICA in NYC. I was so flabbergasted but before I could say anything he immediately offered an invite to his work. I could not believe it. It was the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to me! So, between the time of last summer and October 21st, I was trying to plan a visit with my Aunt and Uncle. Finally, we could all decide on a date. It just so happened to fall a few weeks before my 21st birthday. What a birthday present, right? A few days before we left I realized I had to watch a few episodes of GMA, because I was not familiar with the anchors. It's a very early show, so I am rarely awake for it! The more episodes I watched the more excited I was to visit Times Square. Our departure time was 2:00 a.m. (SO early!) I did not get to sleep that night because I was so excited. We had to be at the studio by 5:00 a.m. and actually we were really early. Now from the time we got there until the time we left, I swear it is all a blur. I will try my best to recap! We arrive at the special secret side door, and give our names to security. They gave us wristbands, and Gary met us in the security office. For that particular day, they had a musical performance by seventeen year old Jacob Whitesides. I have never heard of him but I saw him multiple times walking around the studio! Everyone there seemed so important it was crazy that I was actually there. Gary let us sit in on the directors meeting where they went over everything for the show. I got a copy of the run down, and boy did it look intimidating and very detailed. Nothing like the run downs for News 8! After the directors meeting Gary gave us the grand tour, and also went into detail about what he actually does. I thought he was the person who ran audio during the show like checking levels and everything, but actually he is responsible for putting the mic's on the anchors and giving them their ear piece so they can hear the producer. Since he does all that in a room upstairs he told my Aunt, Uncle, and I to head down to the studio so we can watch the show from in there. That was a very cool experience, seeing the group of fans outside the studio through the glass, and being right there watching the action. One thing I noticed about the studio set was there were so many people on set at any given point. That was fascinating to me because everyone seemed to stay very quiet as well. Towards the end of the show comes my "big break." I was on live TV for about seven seconds! It was for the introduction to the performer Jacob Whitesides, and I was among a group of teenage girls who got backstage passes for this performance. After the show I was able to take several pictures in the studio, and most importantly, I met with a woman who gave me an email address in regards to internship opportunities. It would be amazing to have an internship at Good Morning America. I am not sure how realistic it would be but I am definitely going to try! This experience really reminded me why I want to continue to pursue a career in television production. Below are two photos of me on the set.

This room is called Social Square. Many celebrities come here.

This is the main anchor desk!