Alyssa Raymond spends more time in front of the camera than even the most selfie-savvy millennial. A multimedia journalist at WKYC since January 2015, the 27-year-old goes where the news takes her — from covering the alleged seven-hour killing spree by an Uber driver in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the West Side Market beginning Sunday hours in April. We zoom in on what a typical two-day stretch looks like for the on-the-move millennial.
WEDNESDAY
6:30 a.m. Raymond heads to LA Fitness three or more times a week before work to hit the cycling classes or stair climber. "Going to the gym is practically my hobby," she says.
8:30 a.m. After calling her mom and showering, she cooks breakfast — two eggs, whole-wheat toast and two sausage links — while watching CNN. "I usually make my own meals," she says. "I enjoy cooking."
11:30 a.m. Raymond talks to her assistant news director for her assignments. "Sometimes I don't get a photographer and have to be my own cameraman," she says.
12 p.m. Today, she and a videographer are covering news that the West Side Market plans to open on Sundays. "One stand owner said he's open to the changes," she says. "Then I found one stand owner who said he's completely against the changes."
1-3 p.m. After filming interviews, she heads to the news van to edit the clips.
5:30 p.m. Raymond sets up for the live shot. "We have to do mic checks 30 minutes prior to the newscast," she says.
THURSDAY
6:30 a.m. Even on her days off, Raymond gets up early. "I don't set an alarm," she says. "Body clock."
10 a.m. Raymond visits Phoenix Coffee Co. in Coventry. "I just love the atmosphere there," she says. "I drink my coffee black because I love the flavor of the beans — not too bitter."
11:30 a.m. She texts friends to arrange a get-together. "It can be difficult for me to have a work-life balance," she says. Because she works weekends, she's usually in bed by 8 p.m. So she shoots for Thursday night happy hour. "Other people still go out on Thursdays too," she says.
1:30 p.m. Raymond volunteers time at the Boys and Girls Club working with kindergartners through high-schoolers. "We start with homework help, then we might play board games or pingpong," she says. "I love volunteering and getting to know these kids."
6 p.m. For dinner, Raymond makes stir-fry with chicken, peppers, onions and mushrooms over brown rice. "It's quick and easy," she says. "I've also been on a Blue Apron kick and receive a delivery twice a month."
Serial Texter
She has two phones: one for work and one for personal. "I text a lot," she admits. Here's what her phone life looks like during a breaking news story, like her trip to Kalamazoo in February:
Texts:165 sent (personal); 60 sent (work) Phone calls: 5 (personal); 14 (work) Emails: 0 (personal); 23 (work) Tweets: 0 (personal); 3 (work) Facebook: 5 minutes (personal); 30 minutes (work)
