Meet Sam Perez | Deviate from Denial” Author & Multi-Skilled Journalist”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to calculated risk, I have seen positive results time and time again. At my core, I am a planner. I’m the textbook definition of a Type A personality: I love schedules, planning, organization, and routine. I think it’s easy to let this side of myself tempt me to be risk-adverse, yet when it comes down to it I think some of the best decisions I’ve made have been the riskier option and I’ve seen this reflected in other people’s lives.

I think watching my parents take risks throughout my growing up has really inspired me. When I was young, they took a massive risk by opening their own restaurant. Although it wasn’t an easy decision, I watched as their success – and their happiness – grew because of of their decision. Then in 2017, they took another risk to open DV8 Kitchen. Their big idea was to open a business that hired people in recovery from substance use disorder (or addiction). This had so many different risks associated with it, but they decided to pursue it despite the fear they had. They didn’t let their doubts get the best of them, and as a result they have impacted so many lives for the better.

Their tenacity and their willingness to take a chance has inspired me. I took a risk by attending a college out of state where I didn’t know anyone and it led me to the best friends I could have imagined and it helped me pursue my dream career in journalism. Most recently, I took a risk by deciding to write a book at 22-years-old. What if no one wants to read it? What if I don’t tell these peoples’ stories accurately? What if I can’t actually get it done? There were so many questions swirling through my head when I was debating whether or not I should pursue this crazy idea. I thought back to the risks my parents had taken. I weighed the pros and cons. I prayed about it. And then I decided to take the risk, and I couldn’t be more glad that I did.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am about to graduate from the University of Georgia in May 2022 with a degree in journalism and in Spanish with a New Media Certificate. This summer, I will start my career as a multi-skilled journalist for WLTX News 19, a local television station in Columbia, South Carolina. I am also preparing to publish my first book “Deviate from Denial’, which will come out in September.

In middle school, I was on a speech and debate team where I got to participate in the “radio broadcasting” category. I loved being able to deliver the news, think on my feet, and present in front of an audience. I also loved photography and videography, so when my parents suggested that I could combine the two in a potential future career as a news broadcaster, I knew that they were on to something.

This ultimately led me to study journalism at the University of Georgia, where I learned that I genuinely love telling stories. I got to learn about reporting for all different mediums and I got to refine my skills. Growing up around my parents and their work with DV8 Kitchen, a second chance employment opportunity that employs people in recovery from substance use disorder, inspired me. I listened to their stories and employees’ stories and my urge to help share those stories developed. I watched as my parents’ passion to erase the stigma surrounding addiction slowly transferred to me.

Now here I am, about to graduate with a journalism degree and about to publish a book about the opioid epidemic! It certainly hasn’t been easy. For some reason, I didn’t think that finishing up my senior year, applying to jobs, and interning was enough so I thought I’d throw writing a book into the mix. These last few months have absolutely been the busiest season of my life, but I couldn’t be more grateful for all of it.

Through all of the busy-ness, I’ve really come to learn the importance of leaning on other people. I tend to be of the mindset that if I put my head down and grind, I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to. While hard work certainly yields good results and I don’t shy away from a challenge, I’ve come to appreciate the value of community. I have felt so much support from everyone around me, and I truly can’t express my gratitude enough. I am so grateful for the team I have around me, and I am glad that I can lean on them and ask for support. I wouldn’t be here without my family and friends.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to visit Lexington, KY, I would start off by taking them to my family’s restaurant, DV8 Kitchen! DV8 has been a huge part of my life since it opened when I was in high school. Not only would I want to show it off for the sentimental value, but it also has a killer cinnamon roll. We would definitely have to stop by for brunch and check it out.

Then I would take them on a drive. With its rolling hills and farmland, Kentucky never ceases to leave me in awe of its beauty. We’d take in the views and make a stop at Keeneland for some horse racing.

Lastly, we would explore downtown Lexington and go to a Kentucky basketball game. Although I love cheering for my Georgia Dawgs, we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to cheer for the Cats in Rupp Arena. Then we’d end the night by walking around downtown and getting a meal!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout first of all to my parents for inspiring me. I am beyond blessed to watch them as they impact lives each and every day. They are my biggest role models.

I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to all the incredible people who shared their stories with me and trusted me to tell them in my book. It’s not easy to be vulnerable with one person, let alone be vulnerable enough to share your story with an unknown number of readers.

Lastly, I would like to dedicate this to the University of Georgia’s Grady College. I have been lucky enough to study journalism at Grady and without such an incredible community, I wouldn’t be here today.

Website: http://sam-perez.com

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