Campus Celeb: Kristy Tamashiro

The semester is almost over and for many of us, the struggle is just ~*so*~ real. Every week we look to recognize student’s that continue to shine and there’s one collegiette we couldn’t help but notice! Kristy Tamashiro is a Hawaii media superstar, and she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. 

Name: Kristy Tamashiro

Hometown: Honolulu, HI

Major: Journalism

Spirit Animal: Cougar

We’ve seen your name on the internet quite a lot, and in a impressive way. Can you tell us a little bit about everything you are involved in?

I work part-time at iHeartMedia Honolulu which is the radio company that owns stations like KSSK, Island 98.5, Jamz 93.9, Star 101.9, etc. My responsibilities there include board oping and being an on-air personality for Island 98.5. I also have written for Hawaii Media Source in the past, which is an online sports platform for college and high school level sports. Last but not least, I work as a student employee in the Hawaii Athletics Media Relations department and my responsibilities include editing and producing videos and sometimes shooting photos for all UH sports. I also intern at KHON2 News and write web stories for the sports department!

You’re so involved with UH Athletics! Have you always known you wanted to work in sports media?

I actually had no idea until my junior year in college! I was originally a Athletic training major at UNLV and transferred home. I struggled with all the prerequisites the program required, so I changed my major to journalism knowing I had media experience from high school.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in this industry?

Some of the challenges I’ve faced so far in the industry is definitely getting my foot in the door, and realizing that everyone has to start from the bottom. However, once you connect with the right people and prove to them that you’re a valuable team member and have lots to offer, things get easier and opportunities start to open up.

What advice do you have for women who are going after the same dream?

My advice to women who are going after the same dream would be to go after your goals no matter how big or small they may be. Don’t let people ever tell you, you can’t do something because you’re a woman, use your tenacity to get to the end goal. Sometimes things don’t always work out in your favor, but everything happens for a reason and you’ll eventually realize why. Oh, and drink lots of coffee…that tends to help!

What about it makes you so excited?

I love sports, I grew up playing basketball and volleyball and even considered playing collegiate ball at a division II school. So to continue being surrounded by something I’m passionate about and incorporating my writing and video skills gets me so hyped! I can’t see myself working in any other industry.

Where do you eventually want to end up?

I eventually would love to end up working as a Sports Information Director for a NBA team but until then my short term goals include maybe being a sports anchor for a local television news station or being an SID at UH.

Do you ever find yourself surprised at what you’ve accomplished? We are!

I really am! It’s been three years since I changed my major and really started pushing myself to get out there and make a name for myself in this industry. I’m proud of what I accomplished so far, but I know I have a lot to learn and a far ways to go.

You once went to UNLV! Tell me a little bit about your decision to go home

I attended UNLV from 2011-2013 and decided to come home after my sophomore year. I loved Vegas and the people there, but I was unsure about what I wanted to do with my major and future. I wanted to save my parents money and just come back home and figure out where to go from there.

Do you have any advice for high school students who are looking at colleges right now?

I’d say, really think long and hard about your major you’re going to declare. Be realistic and make sure you can see yourself pursuing a career within that major. Also, make sure the college you’re looking at is in a location where you think you’d feel comfortable living.

What has been your favorite memory at UH?

My favorite memory at UH is working the in the Athletics Department and being able to have full access to all the games and work around sports that I’m so passionate about. Working in the media relations department also presented me an opportunity to travel with the Rainbow Wahine basketball team to the NCAA Tournament this past year, that was definitely a highlight.

What do you hope to accomplish before you graduate?

Before I graduate, I want to be land an internship with a professional team. Recently, I applied for multiple summer internships with pro teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Seattle Seahawks, Sacramento Kings, and etc.

If you could move anywhere in the world right this instant, would you?

I honestly wouldn’t! Hawaii is my home and it’s always been my home. I’m lucky to live in the most beautiful place in the world, and I don’t take it for granted one bit.

• Hawaii
• sports