Welcome back, readers.
Last week, we introduced you to our Junior Blaster Summer 2017 Ladies. We hope you learned a lot about these talented young people. We sure did.
Now, it’s time to buckle up. We want you to meet the smart and sensitive Bad Boy Junior Blasters. These fellas have a lot to say, so grab a seat, keep an emergency contact on hand, grab a glass of water, and let’s get this show on the road.
Leo, Copywriting
Who are you, where are you from and what are you doing here?
My name is Leo West and I’ve got something to say! I’m from Doylestown, Pennsylvania and I loved growing up there. I am currently a Copywriting intern here. I am a senior at Temple University studying Media Studies and Production. I am currently on track to graduate in May 2018. I’m here to grow as a writer and social media strategist, make connections, and have fun!
Biggest pet peeve on social media?
This kind of expands on what I was saying in the previous answer but oversharing on social media is a big pet peeve of mine. I’m all for sharing your story on social media. This is one of the great things about social media because it makes the world smaller and has the ability to change people’s minds and understand other’s ways of life. But telling me about your sex life, breakups, annoying bosses, etc. is just messy. Some things are meant to just be shared with family and friends. I also hate when people post screen shots of texts and are like, “HERE ARE THE RECIEPTS.” Just let people live!
Favorite RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant or Philadelphia Phillie?
My favorite Drag Race contestant for season 9 is Peppermint because she is talented and has a kind heart. (Not everything is about throwing shade and reading each other, but she slayed the Michelle Visage Roast.) I cannot pick a favorite queen of all time because it changes pretty often. Because of their YouTube show that I devour each week, I have to say Katya and Trixie Mattel are in my Top 5. Bob The Drag Queen in my opinion is the funniest queen to ever be on the show; I LOVE a comedy queen. I also have to shout out Raja because she was a makeup artist on America’s Next Top Model which was such an important show in my youth. She is pretty sickening too.
What was the most surprising thing about working at ChatterBlast?
The most surprising thing about ChatterBlast is how my voice as a gay man has been valued. Getting to work on the Gay Twitter Pride blog was so fulfilling. I’ve never been in an environment where I was able to express my voice like that and I am really appreciative.
Any sage advice for the younglings?
You’re never too cool for school. Listen to more pop music. Respect the legends: Britney, Gaga, Beyonce, Janet, Madonna, Kylie, etc before you #stan for Halsey.
Make sure your decisions when it comes to your career and relationships don’t jeopardize your mental health.
Your life will not turn out the way you pictured it! This is a good thing because when you’re 17 or 18 you don’t really know what you want anyway.
Rafael, Content Strategy
Who are you, where are you from and what are you doing here?
I’m a cool dude from the city of Philadelphia. I was raised in Fairhill, then Feltonville and I currently live in the neighborhood of Lawncrest. I enjoy learning from new experiences and finding constant opportunities for self development. That attitude has carved a path for me to come across CBM at this point of my life.
Favorite social site? Why? Least favorite? Why?
I love YouTube! It changed the game in between the popular era of TV programming and online streaming. I believe YouTube has been beneficial in its ability to have users connect and learn from one another. I know for a fact YouTube has taken up more of my time than any other social site.
I dislike Twitter. Although I do not have a Twitter account, I do not find it to be entertaining nor informative. In my experience I think it is just a place for complaints and negativity.
What was the most surprising thing about working at ChatterBlast?
The moment Matt changed my perspective on how to see social media. I thought social media was just posting things and communicating with the masses. Once Matt told me that we should treat each individual account as if it were a story told by the user, I was surprised. That realization makes me think differently and I enjoy applying that perspective to the work I put in.
What clients have you gotten to touch so far and which has been the most interesting to work on?
Wawa Welcome America is a nice client. It is an interesting organization to work with and I get to learn more about city operations through the experience. I look forward to working on their social media and engaging with the people who follow the events.
Any sage advice for the younglings?
You can’t continue your life without knowing your values and constantly discovering more about yourself. Balance is behind everything. Learning it is the first step, obtaining it is the second. Nobody in this world has it figured out, not even the innovators. There is nothing wrong with that, but always keep it in mind.
Andrew, Business Development
Who are you, where are you from and what are you doing here?
My name is Andrew Hafner from Randolph, NJ, and I’m here to gain some agency experience and build up the necessary skills to dive into adult life. School can’t teach you everything! (Yikes.)
What was the most surprising thing about working at ChatterBlast?
The overall friendliness and helpfulness. Everyone in the office is super friendly and willing to help you out with anything you may need. They trust you with important projects and treat you like an equal in the workplace. The office is a fun place where everyone works together. [Editor’s Note: We did not pay Andrew to say this.]
Favorite summer job BESIDES ChatterBlast?
Summer baseball. All my life until I got to college, I played summer ball. While this really wasn’t a traditional “summer job,” it was to me. Day in and day out I worked on my game to compete at the highest level with my teammates. It’s something that I truly miss and hope to make my way back on the diamond at some point in the near future.
Do you give your friends social media advice? If so, what do you say?
Don’t let social media run your life. Express yourself. Be smart.
Chris, Account Coordination
Who are you, where are you from and what are you doing here?
My name is Christopher Sanchez-Peralta, I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and then moved to Philly at the start of 4th grade. I am working at ChatterBlast as an Account Coordinator and I am loving it!
How did you find out about his internship? What made you decide to apply here?
I found out about this internship as I was scrolling through my Drexel Co-Op catalog, and this name stood out to me so I did further research. I decided to apply here because social media interests me greatly and at the time I was thinking that ChatterBlast would help me master social media, and boy was I right.
Favorite social site? Why? Least favorite? Why?
My favorite social site is Instagram because that’s where I post most of my photography, and it is just an awesome tool to meet other photographers and collaborate. My least favorite would have to be Pinterest because I just don’t get the buzz of it.
What will you be doing in 5 years? DREAM BIG!
In five years I hope to have my idea that I am working on—a big media outlet—become a reality.
Any sage advice for the younglings?
If you have an opportunity in front of you, take it. It may take you far.
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Well there you have it. These bad boys are also here to talk if you ever need someone to listen. Just hit us up on Twitter.
