The fusion of her passion for music, experience in radio and vibrant personality has paved this senior’s path beyond her college years.
Cassie Faulding’s enthusiasm to go for her dreams clears the way she embraces each opportunity.
Faulding is a graduating transfer student who has worked with KSUN, Sonoma State’s radio station, every semester. As the Production Director, she is not in this for a resume builder or an impressive title but simply for her own enjoyment and learning experience.
“The best part about working in radio is that it doesn’t feel like work. It’s always fun,” said Faulding. “I love sitting down in the production studio and creating something new out of different sounds. Radio Production is like the Photoshop of sound.”
Recently she went to New York to attend the International Broadcasting Conference with four other students from KSUN: Ashlee Floren, current general manager; Matt Doughtery, current program director; Libby Cunningham, future general manager; and Mia Vargas, future program director.
Their trip was filled with unforgettable memories of meeting students across the United States, touring CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) Radio Station and exploring the whole new world of New York City.
Faulding’s close friend and co-worker Floren described one of their experiences while traveling through New York together.
At one of their many conferences they met a band called “The Lords of Liechtenstein,” where both Faulding and Floren happened to wear black and white polka dots.
Floren and Faulding convinced this band they had their own band called the “Polka Sisters.” They elaborated on how their signature look is always both incorporating their polka dots when they are presenting their band image.
This happy accident sparked them to maintain a relationship with the band and have a live interview with them on KSUN.
Everyone keep an eye out because the “Polka Sisters” are coming out with a new album soon and playing in a combo concert with “The Lords of Liechtenstein,” or so they think.
Faulding has a charming personality who keeps the work environment around the radio station fun and entertaining.
She also dedicates her time and knowledge to help others around her and get the most out of what working at KSUN has to offer.
“I think she has a true talent, a good ear; she knows what sounds good and how to piece it all together,” said Nate Campbell, faculty advisor for KSUN. “I think she understands things about commercial production and image branding that is a big part of the media industry.”
Faulding has used KSUN and being on air to help build confidence and her public speaking skills.
She expanded on her radio production skills, learned how to deal with businesses professionally and enhanced her leadership skills.
“KSUN has been, without a doubt my favorite experience at SSU. I would recommend it to all students, regardless of major,” said Faulding.
For most graduating college students finding their first job or even just where to go next can be a struggle.
Faulding has already landed a job to work for Wine Country Radio, where she will be working the Apple Blossom Festival for them.
This experience just brings her closer to being able to work her way into and up in the music industry.
Even though she is not sure specifically what she would like to do in the music industry, she mainly just wants a job where she can work directly with the artists.
Faulding shows we can all learn to have fun with what we are dedicating our time to, but also to give it our all. She is not only a hard worker but a reliable friend who is willing to help out anyway she can. Faulding is admirable for going full heartedly for her dreams and never looking back.
