Darrell Rebouche
What I do now: In my role as Visual Arts Coordinator, I create visual messages for marketing and imaging for Willis-Knighton Health System, including but not limited to video production, photography and writing. I also work consistently as a freelance broadcaster in local and regional television and radio.
Path to my current career position (how I got from the past to the present): I started working in local television in 1978. I earned my degree at LSUS while working full time at local television stations. I progressed from an entry level position to fill-in sports anchor, then to weekend sports anchor. Ultimately, I became the sports director and primary sports anchor at the local NBC affiliate. For two years, I was Managing Editor for News. I accepted a position with Willis-Knighton Health System in 2005.
How I got to LSUS (or why I chose LSUS): The honest answer is I stayed in town because my girlfriend at the time was still in high school and I didn't want to end the relationship.
Fond memories of LSUS: The highlight for me had to be the Washington Semester with Dr. William Pederson. I also enjoyed classes with Dr. Milton Finley, Ms. Alana Longfellow and Dr. Richard Flicker.
LSUS faculty who helped me: Dr. William Pederson and Dr. Al Vekovius were the best. Dr. Mark Vigen, who I believe was adjunct, was a difference maker for me.
How LSUS helped me succeed: Leaders were patient with me as I tried to balance full-time work with the pursuit of a degree. They stayed with me and helped me get to the finish line.
Advice to college-bound students: I don't recommend doing it the way I did. Immerse yourself in university life and make the most out of your college years academically and socially.
Advice to someone who wants to enter my field: Be prepared to work long, odd hours: nights and weekends with a lot of deadline pressure and not a lot of money.
Tips on choosing a major or career: It's not always about aptitude; it's about satisfaction. Find something that feeds your soul, study the business and pursue it with vigor.
My toughest professional challenge: Working nights and weekends for not very much pay after we had started a family
My toughest personal challenge: Striking a proper balance between work life and home life, while always pushing back against stress
Successes (honors, awards, etc.) in my life: My happiness comes from personal satisfaction: having a successful marriage and having raised productive, well-adjusted children who are now contented young adults.
I've learned this from life: My most important thing is rarely anybody else's most important thing.
What I'd be doing if I had all the time in the world: I'd need all the money in the world to go along with all that time if I were doing what I really wanted to be doing.
