More Than Our Homecoming Princess: Meet Taylor Knight

Taylor Knight is more than just your FSU Homecoming Princess. She is the epitome of Black excellence with a sparkling personality to match. During her time here at Florida State University she has been the President of Garnet and Gold Key, the Secretary of the Black Student Union, The Membership Chair of the Garnet and Gold Guides, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, an intern for WCTV, and so much more. We love a girl boss who makes moves and works hard for her dreams! Taylor’s achievements speak for themselves; however, her drive and dedication led to her success. Her Campus got the chance to talk to Taylor and get to know a little bit more about her. 

Her Campus (HC): What year in school are you?

Taylor Knight (TK): I’m a senior!

HC: What’s your major?

TK: I am majoring in Humanities with a concentration in Communications. I also have a minor at FAMU in Broadcast Journalism.

HC: Where are you from?

TK: I’m from Palm Beach, FL.

HC: How and when did you get involved with Journalism?

TK: I’ve always wanted to be on TV and I became more interested in high school. I was in the TV production program and I loved it. I knew I wanted to get into Journalism so when I came to Florida State, I started searching for opportunities. I felt like there were not enough avenues for Journalism so I decided to make a YouTube Channel. I would take my camera, go to different events in Tallahassee and film/edit everything myself. I wanted to make a brand for myself. My journey with Journalism has been about finding a way to make it happen.

HC: What topics do you like to discuss/talk about?

TK: I love covering fun and light-hearted events. However, I do have an interest in hard-hitting topics as well. I like being able to see the differences between hard news and soft news. Journalism has helped me gain interest in what’s going on in the world and in my community. I learn about things that people don’t typically talk about.

HC: What do you love most about Journalism?

TK: Honestly, I love everything about it. I love running around and catching the stories. I’m always very busy and involved and Journalism is a great transition to that. I also love being in tune with what is going on within my community. I feel like if I wasn’t in Journalism, I wouldn’t know what was going on unless it affected me. And I’m not going to lie, I love being in front of the camera. I like being able to see myself grow and improve.

HC: What is your favorite experience you’ve had so far?

TK: One time I had to edit in the car for the reporter as we were driving from one location to the next. We had a two-hour turn-around before we had to go back to the station, have the edits done, have the story ready and get ready to do another story. It was really exciting.  

HC: Ideally what is your biggest dream/goal in regard to your career and why?

TK: Honestly, I want to be back in Palm Beach as a morning News Anchor. At first, I wanted to be in New York but I had to take into consideration that I want to have time for a family. What a lot of people don’t know about TV is that your life becomes consumed in it and the money isn’t always great. But you never know where life will take you. If I find a great opportunity in D.C. or somewhere, I’m going to take it. 

HC: You are definitely very busy, so how do you stay on top of your school work and manage it all?

TK: My planner is my biggest help. It makes me a lot more organized. But also just having an inner sense of balance helps me a lot. I tend to want to be at my internship all day and I have to remind myself that I need to be balanced. I do what I need to do and then I give myself a break. You don’t want to be so consumed with the work that you forget about your friends, family and school work. You have to set your limit for certain things.

HC: What is your advice for women who aspire to do what you do?

TK: If you are at Florida State, you need to dig for your resources. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A lot of people give up too soon but you need to ask questions. If you see someone that looks cool and they are doing something ask them, “Hey, how did you do that?”  Don’t be afraid to DM people. Just ask! People are willing to help you, you just have to use those resources. Try to create a brand for yourself because that is really what is going to sell you sometimes. Brand yourself, ask questions, search for those resources and apply for things. You might not get it the first time but keep applying. Someone will see you.

HC: Do you have a YouTube channel, Instagram, Website, etc.? If not, where can we find your work?

TK: My YouTube is TK on Demand.

Check out TK on Demand on YouTube support our fellow ‘Nole and look out for the next Multimedia Journalist. If you’re looking for motivation, definitely take a look at Taylor Knight for inspiration!

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