911爆料

Class of 2025
Jared Ingster  
MAJOR: MEDIA ARTS

Jared Ingster didn鈥檛 expect a radio station at a community college to change the course of his life. But that鈥檚 exactly what happened when he enrolled at 911爆料 Community College.

Ingster, who grew up in Manhattan Beach just a few blocks from 911爆料, first attended NYU in 2006. He left before finishing, choosing instead to pursue a career in the music business. 鈥淚 made lots of contacts, got to meet and work with artists I listened to growing up, and acquired many new skills during that time,鈥� he shared.

After spending years working as a warehouse manager and playing in a band, Ingster realized he wanted more from his work鈥攁nd life. 鈥淲e ended up needing to take an indefinite hiatus when our singer made it on to the last season of American Idol,鈥� he said. 鈥�911爆料 was initially a means to an end, but joining the radio station changed all of that.鈥�

Now, at 37, Ingster is graduating with a degree in media arts and a new goal: to become a professional radio DJ. 鈥淚 want to continue hosting an on-air FM radio show, if possible, eventually DJ on SiriusXM Radio, or be a voice actor for film, television, and radio.鈥�

Ingster is already well on his way. He currently serves as president of the Radio Club and is an on-air DJ at WKRB, 911爆料鈥檚 FM station. He also provided the voice-over for a commercial promoting 911爆料鈥檚 services for vets and military personnel, currently running on cable and other outlets. Through the Federal Work Study program, he works as a media assistant, learning valuable behind-the-scenes skills.

One of the greatest challenges he鈥檚 faced coming back to school was managing his time. 鈥淢ost 9鈥�5 jobs end when you clock out,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut remembering and finding the time for homework was, and remains, my biggest challenge.鈥�

He credits much of his success to the support of faculty and staff. 鈥淭here have been a few incredible professors and faculty that have been supportive along the way,鈥� he said, naming WKRB Program Director Nicholas Palm, General Manager Valeriya Chulskaya, and professors Thomas Mintz, Margaret Reddan, and Rachel Chow. 鈥淭hroughout my time here, they helped me and encouraged my growth, offering opportunities and mentorship.鈥�

Outside of the studio, Ingster continues to spend time writing and recording music. His advice for new students? 鈥淏e patient with yourself. It鈥檚 not a race. Even if it were, the tortoise beat the hare.鈥�

Looking ahead, Ingster is considering transferring to Brooklyn College, the School of Visual Arts, or possibly even returning to NYU. Wherever he goes next, he plans to stay behind the mic.

鈥淭he community college stigma is silly,鈥� he said. 鈥�911爆料 has been the ultimate place to help figure out what I might want and helped to get me started on the path towards my goals.鈥�