Name: Brianna Hoyt
DJ Name: Bri
Show Name: Sunny Side Up
Broadcast Time: Thursdays 6:30-8:30
Local or Transplant? Transplant from Salisbury Connecticut
What do you do at WMPG? I am a work-study student, a DJ, a volunteer, the WMPG advisory board secretary, and SCB vice chair for WMPG.
How did you get involved at WMPG? I just moved to Portland this year to attend USM, and I had a few friends who do shows up in Orono at WMEB, I remember they kept talking about how at USM they have this great radio station, and how much more successful it was. I had always been a part of the music world, and I thought what could be a better way to stay involved than to have my own radio show! So, I signed up for DJ training and soon after got recruited to do work-study for WMPG as well. From there I fell in love with this wonderful station and everyone involved, and I love helping out, and playing my part in this growing community.
How long have you been at WMPG? About 9 months!
What do you do when you aren’t volunteering? I am a student at USM pursuing a degree in the 5-year Occupational Therapy program. I am applying to the program in the fall and I am very excited/nervous. I currently work as a Behavioral Health Professional, which is where I work in the home and in the community with children who have mental health disabilities. I hope to continue in this line of work by focusing my Occupational Therapy degree in pediatrics, specifically involving mental health. My long-term goal is to try to help promote mental health as a real issue in Maine. It seems as though Maine is lacking a lot of support in this subject and it breaks my heart when I see people not getting the proper treatment they need to be as successful in life as I was able to be. I hope to help move this forward because I think everyone deserves the opportunity to do what they want with their life.
In my personal time, when I’m not at WMPG, I run on the Track team at USM. I play the piano and ukulele as well as sing, I really love being involved in the music world, in the past I’ve been in bands which was always a ton of fun! I also volunteer at many organizations whenever I can such as Rippleffect, A Company of Girls, The Public Libraries, and the Soup Kitchen. I really like being involved in the community and I feel like Portland is just the place to do that! I also am an avid reader, I am a part of Portland’s Silent book club. I like to read theories and criticisms about art history, feminology, and philosophy. I also really like being outdoors and going on long hikes, camping, or just going to the beach!
Why is WMPG meaningful to you? WMPG is meaningful to me because being so far from home, it was a place I always felt welcome, and knew that I had people I could connect with whether it was meeting friends as a work-study, connecting with others over music, or just talking about anything for the fun of it! I quickly realized how wonderful this little community is, it’s amazing to see so many people continuously come together to express themselves, share their ideas, and endlessly support. It truly is one of the most inspiring things that I’ve been able to be a part of. To me this is really a home away from home, and every day I look forward to be coming into the station. Even when I’m just cutting paper or logging CDs I always enjoy it because I love being here, I love the energy that this place has, and there is always someone smiling when you walk in the door! I love that I can share things that I am passionate about as well as learn about others passions. I hope to continue my support and keep enjoying this station, because really, how could you leave something as wonderful as this!?
Here’s how to keep up with Bri
http://live-wmpg.pantheonsite.io/show/thu0630/
Interview by Annella Linton Date: May 2018
Photo supplied by Bri Hoyt