Jeb Goldman '19

Jeb recently answered our new questionnaire with questions submitted by current Oakwood High School students. Thank you, Jeb, for your candid answers! Hear what Jeb has to say about college life and balancing school, work, and social life:

WHERE DO/DID YOU ATTEND COLLEGE?

University of Missouri

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY THAT BEING AN OAKWOOD STUDENT HAS AFFECTED YOUR LIFE IN COLLEGE AND AFTER?

Being an Oakwood Student helped me learn how to set myself apart. Coming into school, I had far more developed social abilities than those of my peers. I was also better prepared for the academic rigors that come with being a college student.

HOW IS COLLEGE LIFE AND ITS GENERAL ATMOSPHERE COMPARED TO OAKWOOD?

College life is much different. For one, you will have classes the size of Oakwood's entire high school student body. There is always something going on, whether it be academic or social, so put yourself out there.

IS COLLEGE A BIG JUMP FROM HIGH SCHOOL?

OH YEAH! But it's also a ton of fun.

HOW DOES THE HOMEWORK LOAD IN COLLEGE COMPARE TO OAKWOOD'S?

Honestly, it's probably a little less. I have worked full-time most of time in college, and even balancing a job and school I have still found the homework load to be less than what I had in high school. It is hard, but I was well prepared.

HOW WAS THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS AND WHAT DID YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING DURING IT?

My college admissions process was super easy. I knew what school I wanted to go to so I was a one and done...and I wouldn't choose anywhere else in the world.

HOW DID YOU SELECT WHICH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED? ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE YOU SETTLED ON YOUR SCHOOL?

I wanted to go to a university with a prestigious journalism school and a rich sports culture and Mizzou had both. I also wanted a school with a strong emphasis on the social life. I wish I had known how much opportunity there is to have fun.

WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT STEERED YOU IN A PARTICULAR DIRECTION REGARDING YOUR MAJOR AND/OR CAREER?

Freshman year, I worked for the student newspaper and the local NBC Affiliate as a production assistant. When COVID hit, I had to switch to working for the news station full time and I really loved it so I decided to go TV over newspaper.

DO YOU THINK IT IS TOO LATE TO TRY TO BUILD UP YOUR SKILLS FOR YOUR DREAM JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL?

Not at all. When I was in high school I was 100% a print journalist who did sports. Now I am an executive producer in broadcast news. I made that switch officially sophomore year of college. You have plenty of time.

HOW DID YOU MANAGE YOUR TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL WITH SPORTS, AP CLASSES, AND OTHER EXTRACURRICULARS?

I had a very strict regimen. I balanced classes with clubs and three sports. Take advantage of free periods and understand that even though it's hard to balance everything, it prepares you really well for college and its good memories.

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR PRIORITIES? WHEN DO YOU PUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE YOUR CAREER/STUDIES?

As a senior, I go 65-35. 65% of my time is for school and work, but I also make sure to take plenty of time to have fun and see my friends. I have the rest of my life to learn how to be a good journalist, I have 6 more months being a college student.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER?

Work hard. From ages 19-27, you don't need a perfect work life balance. At school, the people who go above and beyond and are passionate about what they do tend to be pretty successful. So work hard now, make those sacrifices now and reap the benefits later on.

ANY OTHER WISDOM YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS?

When you get to college, stay out of your dorm. Push yourself to get out there and get involved, meet people. You will make the best friends of your entire life if you can get out and have fun. Everyone is also trying to make friends, so do just that!

Jeb meeting Joey Chesnut, hot dog eating champion, when he was a guest on the show at KARE 11 in Minneapolis.

Jeb Goldman covering the MLS All Star game for KARE 11.

Jeb Goldman reports live outside Faurot Field at University of Missouri covering the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic.