Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cayla Goff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cayla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?
I started attending Florida A&M University spring semester of 2021. Coming onto campus, I was excited to meet new people and truly experience the college life. I was first a Business Administration student, but decided to change my major to Broadcast Journalism the following semester. This was the best decision I made of my entire educational career at FAMU. The school of journalism at FAMU taught me how to strive for everything with confidence. I always had a passion for writing and I knew I had the talent for it. However, it wasn’t until this past summer I truly understood to have confidence for my work. My professor, Mr. Jones was my Tv News professor this summer. His class had to the hardest class I ever took at FAMU and the most stressful. However, after all the long nights staying up on a Mac computer editing my film and walking across with a weighted camera 24/7 for 6 weeks, I couldn’t have been more thankful. I ended up with the highest grade in my class. My professor was proud of me, but the one thing of all advice he ever gave me that I remember most, was to learn how to speak up in class. Not because I did not participate, but because I held back my knowledge. I wasn’t confident. I’ll forever remember that lesson he gave me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Greetings, my name is Cayla Goff. I’m a rising fourth year Broadcast Journalism Scholar from Jacksonville, Fl. I’m currently one of the three producers at my universities newstation, FAMU TV 20. I’m also the creator. alongside my friend Xavier Yancey, as a producer and host for an upcoming show, 103 On the Hill, which is a spinoff on 106 & Park. I always had a love for writing because my mom was an English teacher. She got me into reading at a young age and ever since then, I loved storytelling. It wasn’t until I attended FAMU where I decided I always wanted to be in front of a screen as a host. Now,I’m able to produce content through my writing and editing skills, as well a host for a segment. I also create graphic flyers as well, My goal is to inform the community with what’s going on in the world in a newsroom and through hosting, I’m able to individually highlight those within our community. I feel like what sets me a part from most Is my drive. I’m a go getter and I’m determined to be happy and successful. Growing up I looked up to my mom and grandma. They taught me how to be independent and to strive for everything. If there’s a will, there’s a way. That’s what they always told me. I’m most proud of the confidence I gained within myself. No matter how much talent in the world you have, none of that matters if you don’t believe in yourself first. I’m so thankful because without my faith in God and without support of family, friends, and mentors, I don’t think I’d even have the courage to do half the things I do.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My friend Xavier Yancey is my business partner for 103 On the Hill. We actually met on campus through two of our mutual friends. We clicked instantly and hung out just about everyday. When we started getting closer we both shared our visions of what we aspired to be in life. When I told him my idea of 103, he was extremely supportive and I knew I wanted him to be a part of that journey. I asked him to put together the show with me and we became closer since then as business partners and friends. The day we dropped our official logo, everyone was in shock. We were so happy because it felt like we were taking steps to actually chasing our dreams. We now have a team consisting of 9 other individuals and we are so excited to produce our first show this upcoming semester. I’m extremely Blessed to call Xavier my business partner and best friend.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Happiness and my families success is what drives me completely. I say happiness first, because I enjoy writing. It’s my passion and I want to do what I love. Also, I leaned this past year you have to have self-love. I also learned life is short and you don’t want to live your life being sad and thinking about the what ifs. Especially after loosing a friend of mine this year, I realized I wanted to make the most of everything in life and be happy. Lastly my families success. My success is my families success. My family are the most selfless people I know and no matter how many I love you’s or thank you’s I say. No amount of words can express how thankful I am to have such a supportive and loving family. I’d give them the world. Once I reach my career goal as a producer and an entertainment host, the first thing I’m going to do is invest it with my family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: famous.caylaaa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cayla-goff-004748250/
Image Credits
Cayla Goff