That's ME on NPR!

Sometimes you have to be on the other side of the microphone.

I listen to National Public Radio (NPR) whenever I can, but I never dreamed I would one day be interviewed on one of its news programs! AND, I was interviewed by one of my journalism heroes, morning host Steve Goss on WABE, the NPR station in Atlanta, Georgia. He talked to both me and fellow Georgia Kid Reporter N’Naserri Crew-Johnson at the WABE studios.

Arriving at the station, it was hard to calm down because this was my first time on radio. I looked at everything around me. The studio had sound proof foam on all the walls and microphones and other radio equipment ready to record.

Next came the good part. We sat across from Mr. Goss who adjusted the volume of our microphones and also the tone and quality of the sound. We all put on earphones to hear one another better, then Mr. Goss started the digital recorder to begin the interview.

Mr. Goss first had to test out the equipment, and just for a tryout, he asked me what I had for breakfast. I smiled at this, and responded that I ate eggs, hot cocoa, and toast. Then the real thing began.

I explained what it meant to me to be in the Scholastic Kids Press Corps and described the stories I have written so far. I covered Vice President Biden’s visit to Georgia and wrote stories for special reports on the economy and the earthquake in Haiti. Serri talked about her stories about Haiti and some people she met from that country who are still waiting for news of their loved ones.

The interview ended with Mr. Goss thanking us and stopping the recording. Phew!

We all took one last look around the recording studio and headed back downstairs. After one last picture with Mr. Goss, it was time to say goodbye and head back to school where my friends would be waiting for me with about a thousand questions.

—Andrew Liang PHOTO: Steve Goss with Kid Reporters Andrew Liang and N’Naserri Crew-Johnson (Photo Courtesy Andrew Liang)