Leah’s Lemonade and Sticktoitness
By: Chanel Cain
I can see why Professor Thomas invited Leah Henry to speak to the class. Even through a Zoom call, she brightened the room and commanded it as if she was standing in front of us. She was so sure of herself, so genuine, that she seemed miles away from where I was currently.
But she hadn’t always been. That’s what stuck out to me about her story. Having a job lined up right out of college is the standard goal for everyone these days, so much so that it seems more like a requirement than an aspiration. Hearing Leah express the same fears when she graduated made me feel a little less alone. Still worried admittedly, but seen.
One of my favorite traits about Leah was her sense of humor. Even when describing her grueling work schedule post-grad, just to make ends meet, her ability to lightly joke about it didn’t detract from the harshness. If anything, it made it feel more real. From talking with my classmates we’ve all had moments where the work from all of our classes comes together to form the worst work week ever that feels like it will never end. Sometimes that work week ends up lasting all semester. But Leah had been through that, and more, and still came out the other side thriving.
That isn’t to say it was purely luck. While doing one of her jobs at a radio station, she made a mistake that greatly angered one of the clients, who then tried to go for her job. That didn’t work and Leah was able to keep her job and keep learning. That resonated with me because I always feel the need to be spot on with everything. While that is extremely important in journalism, it doesn’t mean mistakes don’t happen. What matters is how you pick yourself up and keep moving.
And that’s exactly what Leah did. Her work ethic and bright personality earned her her own show, dubbed Leah’s Lemonade (though she wasn’t sure about the title at first). There was still much grinding to be done, but I think at this point Leah had mastered that. Hearing how she grew her brand into the platform it is today, offering a space that differs from other entertainment programs, was inspiring. While there will never be a shortage of hard work to be done, knowing that if you have a vision and take the steps you need will lead you to your goal was, again, comforting.
So as I wrap up my time here at Howard, one thing I hope to carry with me is the drive this school instills. I only hope it can carry me as far as it’s carried Leah, but even if it doesn’t, I hope I help change a few perspectives as I go.
Chanel Cain, Writer and Social Media Producer 