Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Dextrene.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been fascinated by entertainment, media and the arts. From piano lessons and playing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” at age three, to pop star by 17, I never doubted my calling to the creative fields. My career as a journalist was sparked by a summer job at the Senate of Canada in 2013. I was tasked with writing a quarterly newsletter as an intern. Little did I know how drastic a revamp that newsletter would need. It was not long before I took on the role of editor-in-chief and the experience opened my eyes to the world of reporting. I focused on refining my craft by completing graduate studies in journalism at Columbia University, after completing a conservatory program in the performing arts and a Master of Fine Arts degree at NYU Tisch. I landed a multiplatform editing and associate TV news producing role at The Los Angeles Times shortly thereafter. It’s from there that my career launched into the world of television news and on-air reporting!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to anything worth accomplishing is seldom smooth. Without prior entertainment and media industry connections, the biggest struggle for me early on was simply getting my foot in the door. Second to that was getting comfortable with rejection and being told “no” more often than not. It is important not to give up or feel discouraged. When you focus on consistency, refining your craft and finding ways to network with industry colleagues, the rest falls into place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am grateful each day to have the opportunity to cross paths with incredible people. I am also humbled every time someone lets me in and trusts me enough to help tell their story. As a journalist, I often meet people on what may not be their easiest day. Many such instances come to mind, but one remarkable woman whose story will always stick with me is Manon Day. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 27, she made it her life’s mission to raise awareness around the fact that the condition – typically ascribed to older men – also affects young women. In Manon’s case, her speech is affected. However, the courage with which she takes on each day is inspiring and something that everyone can learn from. My report on Manon was recognized with a Silver Telly Award, but the real prize was getting to meet her.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I consider myself lucky to have family and loved-ones who have always believed in me and my dreams. I am also privileged to have had access to the best education. The latter can help to position you as a better candidate in media markets. However, having the tools is only one part of what plays into success. Figuring out how to use those tools and how to continue building on those tools is essential when it comes to realizing one’s goals. Nothing beats consistency and strategic work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiadextrene/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiadextrene/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnastasiaDextrene
Image Credits
L.A. Times Today; CTV News Montreal; CityNews Montreal
