COM Grad Hits All the Right Notes

In Spring of 2019, Kat Romo was one of the last graduating classes to earn a degree in Media Studies (before the program changed to Film, Television, and Media), as well as one of the last graduating classes to walk at their commencement before COVID-19 modified the CSU system. When asked to reflect on their experience within the Communications department, Romo’s first acknowledgment was the hard work of Academic Advisor Penny White.

“Penny White is a superhero,” said Romo. “She made my two years at CSUDH smooth despite the department going through structural changes.”

In addition to Penny White, Romo recognized the outstanding honesty from their professors and how they spoke about the highs and lows of the industry and the importance they applied to successful teaching. “All of my Communications professors emphasized the importance of building a portfolio of work during school rather than waiting in media after graduation,” said Romo. “I still appreciate that.”

That portfolio Romo created in their final semester, along with the lessons they earned through the Communications Department, took them to faraway places after graduation. Romo moved to Texas, where they pursued their search for a career with a non-profit media company, whether television or radio.

But their plans didn’t unfold as intended.

“Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, and I had to move back to Southern California after a few months, which was a blessing in disguise,” said Romo.

After moving back to SoCal, Romo was immediately hired as a Guest Services Representative for Live Nation, a temporary position. Once that was completed, Romo was employed at one of their dream job companies, The Segerstrom Center for The Arts, a non-profit and high-capacity performing arts center in Orange County. After working there for only half a year, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled that opportunity.

“I am no longer working at Segerstrom,” said Romo. “However, since the pandemic, my passion for music, radio, and live broadcasting was re-ignited when I got the opportunity to return to 101.5 KOCI FM in Costa Mesa, California.”

Romo became involved with KOCI FM in 2013 when they first began volunteering for the station. “I used to ‘man’ the radio station booth whenever the free and local Summer Concert series began around town,” said Romo. “Later that year, the station manager, Brent Kahlen, gave me the opportunity to air my own program.”

As of May 2020, Romo then re-birthed their eccentric music show, Blue Kat Radio, which airs live every Friday between six and nine p.m. The radio show can be heard on the OC dial, online at www.kociradio.com, or on the TuneIn App.

“The show is my stress-relieving outlet, my learning tool and opportunity to connect with the community through music and life in general,” said Romo.

COVID-19 undoubtedly presented the live entertainment industry with trials and tribulations. Although the wrap of Romo’s career with the Segerstrom theatre was heartbreaking for them, they hold much gratitude for their employment with KOCI.

“I am happy knowing that I am in a field I am passionate about,” said Romo.

In the end, the Communications Department proved successful for Romo and lured them to their passion.

“The entire Communications faculty deeply cared about each student,” said Romo. “For example, I cannot remember when a professor couldn’t stay a few minutes after class to answer questions or provide feedback.”

That effort and dedication that the Communications Department gave to Romo and every student is why Romo remained in their desired field despite the obstacles they were faced with.

“You must be in it with a passion,” said Romo. “There are rewards to reap to make a difference in the community through media.”