Meet Rochelle Alleyne

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rochelle Alleyne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rochelle, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
I genuinely believe that I am walking in my purpose. Genuinely. I also know that I am funny, smart, kind, and generally pretty awesome. So why, then, did negative feedback so sway me? Why was I so bothered by people who just didn’t like me? Why did the ones who were unmoved no matter how hard I tried, how big I smiled, and how likable I made myself, stick with me? It took all of my twenties to finally realize that their external rejection and projection highlighted an internal (and often very tucked away) belief of self. There were little parts of me that quietly believed what they did too. It took me tapping into myself to uncover the places where I believed that maybe I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, kind enough, or just plain “enough.” Shining a light on those places, with grace, allowed me to start the healing process. And it has been such a blessing. Now when I am confronted with these things, I spend less time ruminating and more time checking in with myself. Is this valid criticism or a valid response? Is this a source I trust? Is there something I can take from this experience and use to better myself? If the answer to one or more of these questions is “yes,” then I may adjust accordingly. If the answer is a resounding “no,” then I adjust my proximity to the source of that negativity. It has been truly life-changing.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello! My name is Rochelle Alleyne. I love stories, in every sense of the word. From a very young age, I knew I’d grow up to tell them in some capacity. And every day I do my job, it’s not lost on me that I am walking out my childhood dreams.

I’m an Emmy-nominated in-depth reporter and fill-in anchor for ABC Action News in Tampa, Florida. In my current role, I find creative ways to tackle the stories that need a little bit more time and context to be told fully.

Prior to my move to “Champa Bay,” I was working just a few hours away as a reporter and fill-in anchor for Fox 4 News in Fort Myers, Florida. In my time there, I covered a few tropical storms and severe flooding and reported extensively on the Wade Wilson murder trial. I also found my passion for investigative/in-depth journalism, which led to a lengthy series of stories on homelessness and housing concerns at the Lago Del Sol apartment complex.

Before that, I worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor for Spectrum News in Buffalo, New York. While there, I covered tornadoes, snowstorms, the Buffalo Bills, and dozens of major breaking news events.

I got my start in this business as a reporter, anchor, and producer for KXXV-TV in the Waco-Temple-Killeen news market. During the week, Central Texas provided me the opportunity to cover everything from helicopter crashes at Fort Hood to home invasions and severe weather. On weekends, I worked as the morning anchor and producer.

I am a graduate of the University of Florida with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science (specializing in international relations).

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three things that have kept me are grace, humor, and adaptability. First, as you move through this life give yourself grace in abundance. But you should also make sure you give others the same measure you want to be given, and when you find those who show you that kind of grace hold them close. Secondly, I find levity very important. Life can be hard and sad. Seek joy. Find laughter, even if you have to laugh at yourself. And again, when you find the people you can share genuine laughter with, hold them close. And third, stay limber. Life will stretch you and require different versions of you to show up in different seasons. And that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to adjust and adapt. Don’t be afraid to change your mind.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I’m overwhelmed, I immediately check in and see if there’s an opportunity to take a break. That often helps me to clear my mind and refocus. But longer term I check in and determine the root of my overwhelmed state. And often…it’s me. I took too much on to keep people happy. Or I failed to delegate or communicate properly. I procrastinated. But I get to the root and if it’s a behavior I need to change, I clock it and work on it. I set up systems to try and keep that pattern from proliferating. If the root is something or someone outside of myself, I am getting better and faster at directly communicating my needs.

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Image Credits
Jomel Melissa Photography

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