Reinventing Myself: The Moment Everything Changed
Most people who read this might think I’m causing drama or bringing something negative—but that’s not what this is about. This is my personal story about reinventing myself and making a life-changing decision.
I remember when everything felt uncertain, and I didn’t know what direction my life was going. I had started building LTATM—Let’s Talk About The Music—but I was still trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with it.
Back in 2012, a friend told me something that stuck with me: “You can stay a victim, or reinvent yourself. Everyone does it.”
That moment changed how I looked at my life. I didn’t know how to reinvent myself yet, but I knew I had to try.
Building LTATM:
I started building LTATM in 2014, and it gained momentum in 2016. What started as a podcast began turning into something much bigger, including the idea of building a radio station: LTATM Radio. I pushed myself forward, even when I didn’t fully understand what I was doing.
At the same time, I was facing serious challenges. I was dealing with anxiety, trying to lead a growing project, and struggling with homelessness while attempting to keep everything together. I believed in what I was building, but I didn’t know how to sustain it.
Everything came to a turning point when I reached out to Tom Evan Krause at KGRG. I pitched my vision for LTATM, but instead of moving forward with the station, he told me something I didn’t expect—I needed a scholarship.
Decision changed my life:
That moment led me to Green River College, and that decision changed my life.
At Green River College, I learned what it truly takes to build and run a radio station. I was mentored by industry professionals and eventually became a Program Director, managing multiple stations. At the same time, I was working on my mental health and learning how to rebuild my life from the ground up.
I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without the honor of working with independent musicians. The radio station is something I wish I could have kept on the air, but it will always be part of this journey. I may have started this journey for them, but they gave me a reason—a purpose.
Pursuing my BA Degree:
Today, I am continuing my education at Central Washington University, pursuing Graphic Design with minors in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. I am also rebuilding LTATM as a multimedia platform, using everything I’ve learned along the way.
Looking back, choosing to go back to college was the moment everything shifted. It gave me direction, purpose, and the confidence to move forward.
Still working on myself:
I am still working on myself. There are moments where my old life tries to pull me back, and I feel stuck between who I used to be and where I want to go. But I keep pushing forward, because I know where I’m headed is worth it.
Shels at CWU
Super excited for the next journey
My Graduation Speech
The “See Ya Later” Shels Send-Off Party
KGRG helps Shaped LTATM
Program Director of KGRG FM & KGRG1 AM 2020 - 2024
Awards
Graduation Pictures and The “See Ya Later” Shels Send-Off
This was my graduation and “see you later” party before moving to Ellensburg, WA. It represents both an ending and a new beginning. My goal is to step into a meaningful career that allows me to fully use everything I’ve learned through my education and training.
