My Interview with Carol Burnett

I was 19, an aspiring TV journalist and my parents had gotten me tickets to see a Q&A with the one and only Carol Burnett.  The performance would be similar to the “Bump Up the Lights” segment she does with the audience during her popular TV show.   After the Q&A, I would be invited to join Ms. Burnett and 100 of her closest fans for a special reception.  Since I was a reporter for my college TV news show, this would be the perfect opportunity to get a one-on-one interview with this comedic legend.  My plan was to ask her for the interview during the Q&A then conduct it at the special reception.

There I was in the theatre. I was nauseous, nervous and short of breath.  I knew if I didn’t ask for the interview during the Q&A session – it wouldn’t happen.  My dream would die because of not trying, and would lead to me not understanding the courage I had to ask for what I wanted. 

Before I knew it, she walked on the stage to deafening applause.  Then she said, “Let’s bump up the lights…who has a question?”  And my anxiousness and desire to make this dream a reality came over me.  I stood to my feet on shaking legs and asked through the lump in my throat for what I wanted:

“Ms. Burnett (gulp) I’m in college - I’ve loved you for years and I’m attending the reception afterwards.  Can I get an interview with you?”

The audience laughed.  I felt stupid.

She replied, “Why don’t you ask me a question now?”

Who the hell knows what I said next because all I could think was – I was just turned down for that one-on-one.  Then I sat down….defeated. 

After the Q&A, I was so embarrassed and sat in my car outside of the reception hall debating if I should go in.   But I did anyway and melted into the large crowd of people waiting for her at the entrance of the hall.  Then – she walked in, flanked by two security guards.  Everyone wanted a piece of her, but I was too deflated and decided to hide in the crowd.  But somehow she saw me…she pointed to me and yelled, “You were the one who wanted the interview…where shall we go to do this?”

I was shocked speechless. She took my hand and we both participated in my dream.  I learned, “Ask and you shall receive” is not just a saying, it’s truly a way to live.  When the possible seems impossible, I talk myself into making my dreams come true.   I’ve stopped pursuing opportunities saying, “What do I have to LOSE?” Instead I ask, “What do I have to GAIN?”  Because I asked for what I wanted and made it known to others, I was able to step back and be encouraged by my courage.  This year – make a plan, step out on faith, ask for what you want and the opportunity will follow.

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