Next up in our Peek into the Lives of this Year’s Honorees series is our Outstanding Media Award Honoree – Elizabeth Hashagen, Anchor at News 12 Long Island.

Elizabeth, tell us a little bit about your transition from college life to your first job in the communications field.

After graduating college, I went to graduate school at NYIT and was part of the LI News Tonight program. That amazing program really gave me the skills to handle my first job. I went through more rejections than I could count trying to get my first job. I sent out dozens of tapes and called news directors across the country hoping to convince them to give me a shot. I was told time and time again that I needed experience, but no one was willing to give me that experience. I finally landed my first reporting job at WLNY-TV NY 55 and was able to stay right here on LI!

I’m sure your experience rings true for many who graduate and can’t find a job because of lack of experience. If you had the ability to go back in time, what career advice would you give yourself at 18? 

My advice to myself at 18: Take a deep breath, you’ll get there. I think at that time I worried so much and stressed over every little comment or criticism.

What one thing would surprise your friends and co-workers to learn about you?

My co-workers are like family to me so I think there’s very little that would surprise them. They know I married my childhood crush. They know I’ve been teaching fitness classes for more than 20 years; that I’ve never tried jelly or cream cheese and even know my most embarrassing moment. They probably even know what I had for breakfast.

Wow, Elizabeth you seem to be an open book. Thanks so much for answering our questions. We look forward to meeting and congratulating you in person on May 8^th.

Be on the lookout for our next honoree blog – to follow shortly.