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Today@Sam Article

Sophomore Gets Chance To 'Bloom' On Vegas Red Carpet Assignment

Nov. 21, 2012
SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
Story by: Kim Morgan

 

 

WE ALL KNOW THE STORY OF CINDERELLA, a scullery maid transformed into an enchanting princess with the wave of a magic wand.

Sam Houston State University has a tale just as dreamy—a loyal Bearkat blooming into an intrepid reporter with the addition of a hot microphone.

Alexis Bloomer, a 19-year-old SHSU broadcast journalism major, will report live from the American Country Awards on Dec. 10 in Las Vegas.

"I get to interview Miranda and Blake and all of them," Bloomer said. "That's been my goal since I was a little girl…to interview on the red carpet."

Catch Bloomer ‘Cuttin Up’ at the American Country Awards When: Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. CST Where: FOX For more information: Alexis Bloomer's Facebook or Twitter pages the American Country Awards website the CuttinUp Radio blog

Originally from the small Texas village of Salado, Bloomer was born a ramblin'…woman. Her parents, the owners of horse-trailer manufacturing company Bloomer Trailers, frequently crossed the country making the rodeo rounds.

"She's been traveling with us since she was about 3 weeks old," said Bloomer's mother Kim. "So she's never really met a stranger. She was always very curious and asked a lot of questions."

Kim isn't surprised at her daughter's desire to connect with others, especially considering the undisputable proof of a "what do you want to be when you grow up" essay Bloomer wrote in third grade.

"I said I wanted to be famous," said Bloomer with a laugh. "But I also said that if I'm in the limelight, I want it to be for the right reasons, to be a positive influence on the younger generation."

When Bloomer was 12, she wrote her own Oscar-acceptance speech. An Emmy speech might have been more fitting, since Bloomer's ultimate goal is to be a sports announcer on ESPN.

"Back then, she always drew too," Kim said. "She still draws. She is very, very creative. I always thought she would be an artist when she grew up."

Bloomer ultimately settled on the broadcasting route, which for now includes radio. She's on-air at CuttinUp Radio, described on its website as "Your Western Lifestyle Connection."

Whether reading rodeo news or sharing shopping tips, Bloomer is a regular. In fact, Bloomer will also be covering the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas on Dec. 10, which is why CuttingUp Radio CEO Christina Laiche offered the sophomore the red carpet awards gig as well.

Radio, television…Bloomer is just happy to be here.

"I respect media in all forms," said Bloomer, whose first official foray into media was via the world of writing when she was just 17.

"I wrote my first article about a boy who had diabetes but still participated in rodeos," Bloomer said. "They really liked it, so I got the cover story the next time. It just got bigger from there."

That first article, featuring Benjamin Cox, appeared in the July 15, 2011, edition of Rodeo News.

Bloomer's dream interview is professional baseball player Josh Hamilton. She said she loves his backstory, but any and all Bloomer interviews go beyond the basics.

"I'm off the wall," Bloomer said. "When I interview people, I don't ask them the same questions they've heard over and over. I might ask a question that leaves them thinking 'did she really just ask that?' No cookie-cutter, cliché questions."

There's no telling exactly how Miranda and Blake will answer her questions on the red carpet, but if given the time, Bloomer will ask them who they thank for being who they are today and what quote they live by.

Turning the tables and asked those same questions, Bloomer said she's who she is today because of her dad, Randy, a "determined go-getter who built an entire business from nothing," and her mom, a "classy, elegant woman who taught me manners and how to be a young lady."

As for a quote to live by, well, let's just say mama knows best.

"We always told both of our children, 'you can do anything you set your mind to,’” Kim said. "If you stumble, get up and start over. Enjoy every minute of it but be appreciative of the people who have helped you along the way."

 

 

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