Meet Jennifer Lahmers, a Fox 5 reporter and co-host of the first-ever Big Swim Big Kick! We caught up with Jennifer and learned about her involvement in sports, her career, and why she is excited for the event.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at the Big Swim Big Kick?
A: I’m most looking forward to meeting the kids and people who are just as excited about youth sports as I am now. My biggest regret is I never played sports growing up. It teaches you a lot; you learn how to give credit to other people, build confidence, and how to handle criticism. If I could go back and do one thing, I would play a sport.
Q: The Big Swim Big Kick is a celebration of sports, why do you think it’s important for kids to participate in athletics?
A: Sports build self-esteem. You’re getting out there in front of an audience and outside your comfort zone, which is wonderful for younger kids to experience. You learn to appreciate little victories and have a sense of pride and confidence to do other things, in and outside of sports. It definitely readies kids for life and their futures as adults in working world.
Q: What is a typical day like in the newsroom?
A: I’m a weekday reporter for Fox 5 New York. On a typical day, I come in, and we have an editorial meeting. The assignment desk will pitch ideas, and we work together as a team to brainstorm stories. The day-to-day varies. I will hop on truck with the photographer, set up interviews, and gather information. Then, I come back to the studio, put the story together, and get ready to air. You hit the ground running when you walk in. For some stories, you go to the scene and report live. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. I love telling people’s stories. It’s my adrenaline rush.
Q: Why did you go into journalism?
A: I can really pinpoint it back to when I was about 8 years old. I would create my own mock newscasts, recording on a tape in my bedroom. I did my own scripts, commercials, and voice; it was a one-man show. I grew up in a small town in Ohio and went to Ohio University, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, one of best in the country.
It’s crazy looking back on the journey. I’m lucky in that I’ve always known what I wanted to do. It’s surreal to be living my dream, especially in New York City. I truly feel blessed to do what I do every day. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.
Q: Journalism is a tough field, what advice do you have for kids who want to pursue it?
A: If you really want to get into journalism, your heart has to be in the right place. Like professional sports, a small percentage of people make it big. Those who make it just keep pursuing it no matter how many times they are told no. And that goes for any passion. If you want it badly enough, you will get there.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: I really like telling people’s stories. I like to get out there, meet people, and find out things about life that change your perspective.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I stay active as much as I can. I do a lot of yoga, and I enjoy running. I’m also in the process of writing a book.
Jennifer’s fun facts:
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite food: Chicken pad Thai and pizza
Favorite sport: To watch, basketball; to play, baseball and volleyball
One thing you could not live without: My cell phone or Netflix
The Big Swim Big Kick is a free swim and soccer event for kids ages 6 to 10. Register today.