FINDING PASSION IN THE REDIRECTIONS


As schools across the nation face increasing budget pressures, officials typically cut music programs first to save money. VH1 Save The Music Foundation tries to remedy that situation by working with those schools and building sustainable music programs.


Broadcast journalism graduate Trell Thomas helps lead that noble charge.


As the foundation’s director of communications and talent relations, the 2008 graduate oversees all branding, including press, digital and marketing-related communications, as well as networks with artists, publicists and managers on how they can aid the mission.


“I love the feeling that I get knowing that I am able to help improve someone else’s life,” he said. “There is nothing better than knowing that you are a change agent, and because of your efforts someone, somewhere, has a better quality of life.”


Originally, Thomas wanted to be a lawyer and then a judge.


“My dad told me I was good at proving my case or arguing,” he joked. “I would also watch the television show 'Matlock' with my grandmother all of the time, so I was convinced that I could be him.”


Growing up in Cassatt, Thomas instead set his sights on being the next Ed Bradley.


While at Winthrop, Thomas interned at NBC Universal in Charlotte, but another opportunity came knocking as he finished his degree: a chance to work in communications on then- presidential nominee Barack Obama’s campaign in Georgia and North Carolina. He booked media interviews for surrogates on behalf of the campaign, an experience he called rewarding.


“It taught me not to be confined by fear and to follow my heart, to act out of passion and do things that felt right even if I was afraid,” he said.


Thomas then found himself at a crossroads: not ready to move to D.C., but still bitten by the political bug. He moved to Portland, Oregon, for a three-month political boot camp that turned into a nearly three-year stay. He also worked at a non-profit helping high school and college students move their communities toward a sustainable future before spending several more years at the New Organizing Institute in D.C.


“I later decided that it was time to make all of my dreams come true, to stop playing small and really step into my destiny,” Thomas said. “New York City had always in my mind been a place to do that sort of thing, so I started a plan to move to New York…the rest is magical history.”


Thomas’ advice for young students includes: one, use your college experience to help shape your life; two, always follow your passion; and three, there is no real failure in life, only redirections.


“With each experience you are steered toward what you are meant to do, being gently pushed toward things that come natural to you and are a part of your purpose,” he said. “Don’t spend so long thinking about the would-be failure that you miss the opportunities that are showing themselves in those moments.”


Photo credit: Jen Marigliano/VH1 14 15

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