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By Paul Greeley
817-578-6324, Paul@NewsBlues.com

If you wonder how the next generation of local TV news journalists will embrace their profession, you might want to know Maria Vollom.

Maria Vollom is a three-year veteran at KQDS, FOX 21, Coastal Television’s station in Duluth, Minnesota, starting when she was a sophomore in college.

Vollom graduated from college in the spring and turned 23 in January, which was the impetus for writing on social media her 23 professional and personal insights, which we’ll get to in a minute.

“It’s just been quite the ride,” she says. “It’s fun. It’s early hours, of course, long days sometimes, but I love what I do, so I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Vollom is the producer, reporter and anchor for the morning news on KQDS, getting to the station at 4 a.m.

“I don’t mind the mornings, I’ve gotten used to it,” she says. “I make my own show.”

Vollom says she feels blessed with the opportunity she has at KQDS to gain more experience.

“I work with some awesome people,” she says. “Everyone is truly very close and very team oriented.”

Vollom says her biggest passion is storytelling, “through live interviews, in the field reporting, simply speaking with people on the newscast anchoring. I just like to talk to people. I like to hear their stories, and I like to share them. I’ve been lucky enough to do that through news.”

As much as she likes working in local TV news, Vollom acknowledges it can be challenging.

Which led her to post the 23 lessons “that helps me stay grounded,” she says.

And so on her 23rd birthday, she did a lot of reflecting, “trying to figure out what my goals are, where I’m at, where I want to go. It’s good to appreciate the parts of this job that work and are really good.”

Vollom credits Steve Goodspeed, the recently retired news director at KQDS, for being the voice of reason, a source of inspiration and support when she started.

“Steve was just such a guide,” she says. “He really drilled that mistakes are normal. Growth is non-negotiable and seek avenues of growth. Otherwise, you lose sight of the reason and your purpose in what you’re doing.”

So here are the 23 lessons Vollom says she keeps top of mind as she moves forward both personally and professionally.

1. Adaptability is key – Every day brings new challenges, and staying flexible is crucial to thrive in this industry.

2. Confidence grows with experience – The more you put yourself out there, the more you trust your voice and perspective.

3. Self-care is non-negotiable – Long hours, heavy workload, and tight deadlines taught me that burnout helps no one.

4. You can’t pour from an empty cup – Prioritizing rest and wellbeing makes me a better journalist and person.

5. Imposter syndrome is normal – Leaning into learning opportunities makes you feel more capable every day.

6. Trust your instincts – Your gut is often smarter than overthinking, especially under pressure.

7. Storytelling is about people – The most memorable stories focus on human experiences and emotions.

8. Preparation is half the battle – Researching thoroughly builds confidence and credibility.

9. Teamwork makes the broadcast – Behind every polished story or show is a collaborative effort.

10. The best anchors are great listeners – Active listening during interviews or live shows leads to better engagement.

11. Feedback fuels growth – Constructive criticism is a gift, even when it stings.

12. Your reputation is everything – Integrity and reliability build trust with colleagues and viewers alike.

13. Embrace technology – Staying ahead means mastering new tools and platforms as the industry evolves.

14. Networking is invaluable – Relationships often lead to the best opportunities and mentorships.

15. You don’t need to know it all at 23 or 43 or 63 – Every role is a stepping stone to something greater.

16. No day is the same – It’s one of the best and most challenging aspects of this career.

17. Expect the unexpected – Breaking news and live segments always keep you on your toes.

18. You have to love the grind – Passion for storytelling and connection keeps you going.

19. Viewers appreciate authenticity – People want to see real, relatable anchors and reporters.

20. Hustle doesn’t mean sacrificing happiness – Balance matters more than chasing perfection.

21. Mistakes are inevitable – Owning them builds character and earns respect.

22. Change is constant – From industry trends to personal goals, embracing change keeps you growing.

23. It’s all about the journey – Every early morning, late night, and tough day has shaped who I am today.