U-Hi sophomore hopes for career in video production

Josh Isbey, 16, donned a suit and hung out with state senators in Olympia for a week in February. Working as a page, Isbey made deliveries, poured coffee, studied state government, toured the news station TVW, and documented his experience with a video camera.

Initially he thought, “Cool, I’ll get out of school for a week and earn money” (he got paid minimum wage for eight hours a day), but he ended up earning much more. “I really appreciated the experience. I think I’ve matured. I hung out with really important people, and it’s inspired me to get into journalism,” he said, “It was also a nice vacation.”

Isbey understands the importance of meeting people and having relationships. He got his current job at the Valley Mall thanks to someone he knows. His job as a legislative page was also due to someone he knows (his best friend’s cousin). “Sure,” he said, “It helps to know people.”

He brought his video camera because he dreams of starting a video production company and the footage would work well for a school project. He interviewed a few important people, including Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. “I learned that he never went to college. He was even a high school dropout,” Isbey said.

Isbey’s advice to others: “It’s important not to let others tell you how to be successful, there are many ways to succeed.” Drive is one of them, and Isbey has plenty of that.

A sophomore at University High School, Isbey studies video production and radio. His goals include learning, getting a job in the business, meeting people, working his way up and succeeding. “I’ll start as a copy guy; I’ll get into the business somehow,” he said

Isbey also is involved in choir at school. He is in the Man Choir and hopes to become a Lyrical Chamber Member next year. Isbey enjoys hanging out with friends and participating in Parkour (that’s just something you’ll have to Google to understand). “He’s a smart and creative kid,” said his dad Mike Isbey, “Whatever he does, it will be unique.”