Alumni In Action Spotlight: Ariel Nyree Cheese

November 23, 2019

Paine College alumni make extraordinary things happen beyond the campus. We invite you to meet alumna Ariel N Cheese.

1. Who or what inspired you to pursue your career? How did he/she inspire you?
I've always enjoyed communicating, and I've realized over the years that it's my gift. Watching Black Women succeed in general has inspired me to live my passion as a multi-faceted email personality. I like to consider myself a well-balanced mix of Oprah and Wendy Williams.

2. How did you get started?
Prior to graduating, I started working as a production assistant at WAGT News. Jay Jeffries told me about the job and encouraged me to apply. From there, I networked and volunteered for several projects, including a role on Karlton Clay's College Daze and the mistress of ceremonies for several events. I volunteered for every project available. If you asked me I said yes.

3. How many times have you appeared on TMZ?
I have appreared on the show four times.

4. How did you get this break?
A friend from high school thought I would do well and sent me the info.

5. Were there many barriers or setbacks? If so, how did you overcome them?
When I first emailed the contact, they didn't reply. I waited a week and thought to myself I can't give up. I sent another email, and sure enough, I got a reply. My 1st two times, I had to contact. The last two times they've reached out to me. My last show was on 10/4. The producer told me I always do well and she'll call me next month to do it again.

6. In what ways does your career affect the kind of life you live?
I think it affects me in a positive way. I love talking to people. I enjoy the excitement of going to events and knowing that I have the ability to ask the "burning" question. It's like I can be the voice of the people.

7. What do you like least? What would you change if you could?
Working a 9-5 job that doesn't align with my passion of public speaking.

8. What are you most proud of professionally?
I'm really excited about my appearances on TMZ LIVE. I also really think it's dope that I've interviewed Michael Ealy, Megan Goode, David Banner, Lil Yachty, Mike Floss, and Kodie Shane.

9. What is next?
I've worked with a few casting directors for some new shows. I actually just submitted my reporter reel for a VJ position with BET-HER. So we will claim that position as mine. I'm also in the process of branding myself officially as an Entertainment Correspondent. So Be on the look out for "Aye Cheese"

10. How did your experience at Paine help you find your first job after graduation?
I had a work study with Jay Jeffries and he told me about where he worked. He suggested that I apply for a production assistant.

11. When it comes to your matriculation, If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently?

I would study harder. I would've graduated with a reporter reel. This way, I possibly could've graduated and become a reporter earlier in my career. However, I believe the path I'm on is the one that is destined for me.