You’ve met Benjamin, now meet Ben…
When I was 10, I wrote a poem about cats. Big cats, fluffy cats, furry cats – you get the picture. While admittedly it wasn’t my best work, I didn’t care because I’d found something I loved doing. I wanted to be a writer, or so I thought.
As a freshman in college I’d convinced myself that a career in finance was the right move. By sophomore year, I was sure law was my calling. It wasn’t until I was a junior that it came full circle. Switching my major to journalism after taking a sports writing class as an elective, I rediscovered my love for the written word and was hooked.
After graduating from Rutgers, I dove head first into a job covering college sports. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. Not only did I get the opportunity to combine two lifelong passions, but I also got a front row seat to unprecedented digital media innovation (and some great games to boot).
Starting out my career faxing out game results, it wasn’t long before I was watching live streams and tweeting about games being played 2,700 miles away. In those years I quickly realized that being a writer was not enough. Naturally curious and eager to learn, I began to hone my skills in other creative areas.
While exploring my interests in videography, photography, web development, and graphic design, I began to let my mind wander. In the blink of an eye a decade had passed and while I’d developed valuable skills and collected a lifetime of memories, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more.
Making the difficult decision to leave everything I’d known, I decided that I was ready for a new challenge. Returning to my alma mater, I accepted a position outside of sports that also shifted my focus away from public relations and with it, writing.
Over the next couple of years, I led a newly-formed marketing and communications team, gaining experience as a creative director, digital marketer, and social media manager. Still wanting to further my professional development I made the decision to go to grad school. While juggling a role I was still growing into and a full course load wasn’t always easy, I earned my masters in communication and digital media in 18 months.
While I may not be the “writer” I once thought I’d become, I am a storyteller and I spend my days crafting meaningful narratives. They’re just no longer about cats - at least not always.
Random things you might learn about me over coffee
10-year-old me would be excited to know I now own a cat.
He’d be less excited to know that as it turns out, I’m allergic.
I was born in the Philippines and lived on four continents during my first decade before settling in New Jersey.
Speaking of which, it’s pork roll, not Taylor Ham.
While we’re on food, I didn’t eat my first pie until the age of 34 (it was apple).
I’m terrified of heights, but have jumped out of a plane.
I’d only ever consider doing it again if the Giants, Yankees, and Knicks all won a championship in the same calendar year.
Appearing as “child in Santa’s sleigh” during a Radio City Christmas Spectacular show was my closest brush with fame.
Given the choice, I’d rather sit on the Iron Throne than Santa’s sleigh, but I think Sansa’s got dibbs (Spoiler Alert: I was wrong.)
Finally, I have a confession… I don’t actually drink coffee.