RETHA COLCLASURE
General Assignment Reporter

I first knew I wanted to go into broadcast journalism when I passed a courthouse in downtown Washington, D.C. and saw a group of reporters waiting outside for a big verdict to come down. I looked at them, sitting in lawn chairs, enjoying the sun, and drinking soda (or pop, as it is otherwise known here), and thought to myself, "Wow, is that the life." Since then, I've figured out that there is a little more work involved in reporting, but my passion for the news stayed strong.

I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, as the year's outstanding broadcast graduate. As an undergrad, I spent most of my final years in our campus TV station's newsroom. I spent a semester as a reporter for a student-produced nightly news broadcast, "Maryland Newsline." I also produced a weekly news radio show, "Terp Weekly Edition," which won a 1st place national award from the Society of Professional Journalists. I also interned at WBAL Radio in Baltimore, the area's largest news/talk/sports station.

Having lived in Maryland for most of my life, I'm a forever optimistic Orioles fan, and it is my firm belief that they will one day have a winning season. I enjoy sports of all kind, and play soccer and racquetball. In my free time I also like to read and spend time with friends. While North Dakota is a long way from "home," I'm excited about living in Bismarck and learning everything the area has to offer. It certainly is a nice break from the constant traffic around Washington, D.C., that's for sure.

Everybody has a story to tell, so if you have any tips or ideas, be sure to send them my way at rcolclasure@kfyrtv.com.