Being a University of Toledo Alumni, I wanted to go out to the University of Toledo and ask what the students like about FOX Toledo. The University of Toledo is such a diverse campus, it’s the perfect place to get a variety of answers! Watch out for all the new FOX Toledo premieres this week!

Click this to see the video UT Students !

I wrote this for anyone who has came into my life and inspired me in a way. From my parents and siblings, to my best friends, teachers, my mentor and strangers. Thank you.

I just hope I inspire you.

I want to see the better you

All this potential and everything to do

I just hope I inspire you

You see the better me

All this potential and you took the best of me

Applied me to what I could do

Now I hope to do the same for you

It’s all in front of you

I just hope I inspire you

Just grab it – you can have it

Whatever you dream

Let’s make into reality

Cause at the end of the day

I’m alright but you won’t accept that

Made me the person I am today

Can’t thank you enough for that

I just hope I inspire you

Like you inspire me

Write your goals – share your dreams

When you make it.

I just hope you remember me

Cause you inspired me. 

1.3.2012

2011 had its up and downs. When I look back, I’d say the positive outweighed the negative.

NYC Modeling Photo. February 2011.

Feelin’ Good, Feelin’ Great: (January – May 2011)

I said good-bye to 2010 and hello to 2011 by celebrating in Times Square in NYC with my best friend, Selena and her parents. Then – two weeks later what do you know?  I was asked to move to New York City and intern at Black Entertainment Television for my last semester at UT. I was lucky enough to land a spot to intern in the production department of 106 and Park and intern for the President of Music Programming, Stephen Hill. It was such a great experience but definitely a struggle. I remember having to be up at 5am, leave by 7am, drive my car to a bus stop and commute from New Jersey to NYC (2 hour commute), then take a subway in the city and walk 4 or 5 blocks then make it to BET by 10am. I’d leave BET at 8pm, do the commute all over again, get home at 10:30/11pm, do my school work then get 5 hours of sleep, do it all over again. Thank Goodness for family and my three best friends, Jonny, Selena  and Stacey for coming to visit me. I lived in a hotel for like three weeks then I moved from New Jersey to West 34^th street. The cut of the commute made life much easier.

This experience definitely showed me the meaning of hustling and going after your dreams. It showed me what really being alone was like and to have to do just for yourself. I cried when I got frustrated but at the end of the day, I knew after all of this hard work, making my dreams come true will be that much more worth it.

The Blue Period: (May – August 2011)

I graduated from The University of Toledo with a B.A. in Communication! YES YES YES, FINALLY! When I was still interning in NYC – I created a video to try out for the TRUTH campaign with Warped Tour. I was picked out of 40 others to go back to NYC at the end of May. I was picked to be part time TRUTH rider…which meant I just traveled once a month to go onto Warped Tour with Truth to pass on awareness of the risks of youth tobacco use. That was cool, but it wasn’t full time. I was a graduate without a job. Oh and in June, My only grandfather passed away.

Grandpa Louie was my only grandpa – I ever knew. My dad was crushed, my whole family. He was the glue to our family. I spoke at his funeral because I knew I would regret it if I did not. I’m still sad to this day but I know Grandpa wouldn’t want us dwelling on his death, rather, celebrating his life. I’m just blessed and thankful I got to know him for 21 years of my life.

After June, I just went into a mode – where I was sad all the time because I was a graduate with NO job, nothing. I was bartending – that’s it.

Things are looking up: (September-December 2011)

I was turning 22 in September. I just got a job at a shoe store in the mall. I had an amazing 22^nd birthday party though!! It got live and so many people came! But one week later – my life changed. I applied for the Face of FOX Toledo at the very last minute of the deadline for the competition. I made it through the first two rounds but the competition was tough! Everyone brought something different to the table.

I remember when I was told I won – all the stress from the last couple months were lifted off my shoulders. I was finally getting to do what I wanted – use my degree and be on TV!! Honestly – ever since then I’ve been happy, very busy but content. I have grown since I’ve received my job at FOX Toledo. I’m blessed to the Face of FOX Toledo. I also was blessed with a new baby brother – Lucas Samuel Cruz. He’s such a cutie!  I am so excited for 2012 and what is to come.

It’s crazy what can happen in a year. I can’t wait to see where I am in a year from now. Maybe the whole world will know my name or I’ll still be working on that. Either way – don’t let your struggles take away your ambition towards your goals and dreams. Become stronger and grow with your mistakes and struggles, turn it into a hustle and do what you have to do.

Happy New Year!!!

UT Rockets ready to attack!

Good luck to The University of Toledo’s football team playing in Washington, D.C. vs. the Air Force Academy in the Military Bowl on Dec. 28. ! Go Rockets!

Being an UT Alumni makes me proud and excited to see you guys playing a bowl for a second year in a row. As a fan, I appreciate all of your hard work and getting our school recognized is amazing.

Remember all of the hard work you put in this year – all of it has got you to where you are now. If you put your mind, heart and soul into this game like the whole year – you will have a great outcome personally and as a team.

Special shout-out to my good college friends, Desmond Marrow, Jerome “JJ” Jones, Adonis Thomas, Kenny Stafford, Danny Farr, Tony Cherry and Sam Gaymon. Glad you guys stuck through this these last few years, Proud of you, Do your thing out there!

Hope to see you rock the game and achieve this accomplishment! Safe Travels!

I found this from 10/27/2006 in my email today. I wrote this for a class in high school. I was a senior.

My best friend, Stacey & I senior year, 2006-2007.

“I wear my heart and my emotions on my sleeve. I love to talk to people, I do not care who you are or what is thought of you. Talking to people is my favorite thing to do. I believe you only have a right to treat people negatively if you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. I dislike close minded and fake people. I get a little bossy at times. I love my friends and enjoy hanging out with them as much as I can. Stacey Cruzado is my absolute best friend. I look up to my parents so much. This is me.

I want to try to succeed as many goals as possible because I know I only live once. I am not a self-fish person but I believe if I want to reach these goals, I am going to have to put myself first. I want to attend college & graduate with a degree that involves communication. I hope to do much better in college than I did in high school and I know I can. I did not put much effort into my work in high school like I should have, I put my social life first. I really hope to be able to reduce my social life in college and try to focus on my work more. After I graduate college, one of my biggest goals is to get a job that I enjoy doing and supports me financially.

Other goals I have for myself are to be independent and a role model for others when I am older. I know I am going to have to work hard and concentrate on my work and career. I feel I must be content with myself before I am with anyone else. I would not mind having a family but I believe I must find the right person and be completely head over heels for more than three years. I would absolutely love to find the right person but to reach all of my goals I must live life to the fullest, work hard and believe in myself.”

When I read this, I got chills. I remember those insecurities and being at that age, not sure how things were going to play out. I still get like that at times – at 22 years old. Reading this, helped make it clear what my goals were before all of this. I was always doubted by my peers in high school, they’d say comments about my BFF & I like we aren’t going to finish college, this and that. Well I did…in four years.

I’ve always been such a social butterfly but I didn’t cut back in college with my social life. I let it enhance my learning experience and sharpened my networking skills. I learned to balance both.  My outlook on love has been the same and hasn’t changed. I’m just amazed I had this all figured out and knew what I wanted at the age of 17 and achieved most of it by the age of 22. I am thankful.

What I’m trying to get across is…Live life to the fullest, Don’t give up on your dreams and You only live once (YOLO).

“If I stopped Praying to God, Believing in me, Hoping for the best, Wishing to succeed, Dreaming of my future & Grinding non-stop…I wouldn’t be where I am today.” – Me.

I was born on the Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma….Yes,I am a Military Brat!

Ranch dressing is my favorite condiment.

I played basketball for 4 years and was a cheerleader for 2 years.

Celebrities tend to kiss me when they meet me! (Pooch Hall & I the first picture, Mike Posner & I in the second)

I was the first on both sides of my family to graduate college.

I’ve been a blonde before….probably never again.

You can always catch me dancing. I like to think I am a pretty good dancer.

My favorite color is torquoise.

I’ve been to South Korea and Puerto Rico.

I have two main best friends…Selena & Stacey. We’re the best three friends…that anyone could have!

My friends call me Joc (pronounced Jock or Joss), Jack, Joce (pronounced as Joss-ee) J.Cruz, & Roger (from American Dad).

I don’t have a type in men, I like ‘em all.

I don’t really care to shake hands, because my hands are always clammy!

I’m in love with Las Vegas.

Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Timberlake, Bradley Cooper & Joseph Gordon-Levitt are on my Top 5 celebrity crushes!

Bret Easton Ellis is my favorite author.

Spice Girls was the first concert I ever went to.

I write song lyrics.

I  love my job as being the Face of FOX Toledo.

I have a shoe fetish.

Wanna know more? Facebook or Tweet me @FaceofFOXToledo.

Every year, it starts to get darker earlier and colder. I am a summer and fall type of girl. So the winter isn’t exactly my favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday season, but just not the weather. My perfect winter would be if we could have fall’s nice warm days. It’d be cool to see snow only on  Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. But….that’s just me.

When I was riding around the other day in my new car, I was thinking to myself what are ways I could keep positive through the cold season. I don’t want to feel like I’m hibernating like a bear again this year.  Here are some ways that may help you keep your winter blues away too.

-Exercise

-Start a new diet or healthier eating habits before the Holidays!

-Catch up on your rest

-Travel

-Increase your social life activity, see friends or family more often

-Try something new! (new Look, hobbies, or recipe)

-Retail Therapy

These are all just ideas to keep your energy up and positive! I am going to try all of these and see if it changes how I feel about winter.

What does the holiday season mean to you? Is it about the deals on Black Friday? Is it about all the yummy food? Is it about who has the best Christmas lights or decorations on your street?

For me….none of those are what the holiday season means to me. It might sound corny or cheesy but I am all about seeing my family happy and being around them as much as I can. As I’m growing up and getting older, I am realizing the holidays make for the best memories with my family.

I always remember my mother getting up early to make sure all the food was done before we started to complain we were hungry. I remember my father always running around to buy beverages and appetizers for our family get together. I remember my sister and I trying to shake presents to see what’s in them. But…I don’t remember any of the material things I recieved. I remember all the memories. I think that’s the best gift to have.

Holidays can be hectic, expensive, and crazy but to see your family happy and to be happy around your family and friends is all worth it. Cherish this time with those who are in your life. Hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving and a safe Black Friday! Happy Holidays!

There’s a new album that I can’t get out of my head lately. The album is “Take Care” by Drake. I feel like Drake says things that I’ve always felt but never had words for. I can connect those words and put them to past experiences in my life. I don’t believe there has been an album – that has ever made me feel this way. It’s feel good music, especially when I’m driving in my car. I’m in love with this album because there’s a song for every mood. I also liked that there are various collaborations on “Take Care”. Artists like Rihanna, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Stevie Wonder, The Weeknd, Jon B., and Kendrick Lamar are featured on this album. Drake expresses all types of different emotions on this album. Drake speaks about past love relationships, trust issues, stories how he made it big, and the appreciation of his mother.  He recreates real life scenarios that all people can relate to. As I’ve been listening to this album on repeat, there are quotes that have stuck with me. I want to share with you how I perceive these lyrics and relate to them in my own life.  I hope you can do the same. The album has a parental advisory warning.

What "Take Care" means to me.

“You got your guards up, I do too, there’s things we might discover….Cause you got a past and I do too, we’re perfect for each other.” –The Real Her, Drake featuring Lil Wayne & Andre 3000.

     This one is for the hopeless romantics. I know that I am and I believe Drake may be one too. When you’ve had a relationship(s) and it failed, it becomes a part of your past, so when you become involved with other people in your future, you must remember they have a past but SO DO YOU. Having a past makes you who you are today; it’s perfect because no one is.  It’s perfectly perfect to be imperfect for one another because of one’s pasts. Keep an open mind always…even in love.

“When you’re ready, just say you’re ready, when all the baggage just ain’t as heavy…and the party’s over, just don’t forget me. We’ll change the pace and we’ll just go slow.” -Take Care, Drake featuring Rihanna.

     I like this because Drake knows he did not break this person’s heart but is willing to wait until their heartbreak goes away and their past baggage lessens. So, when the single life party is over, let me know because I’ll take care of you.

“..I know it’s real cause I’ve been around it. You only want what’s real you just never found it. Don’t give them no more chances…they had their turn. Everything for a reason, there’s things you had to learn from them.”  -Practice, Drake.

     Everyone is always searching for something real. You can’t find real, if you keep going back to the people who played or betrayed you because ultimately they weren’t real or true to you. Therefore, Drake says “Don’t give them no more chances…they had their turn.” Everything does happen for a reason and you learn from your mistakes.

“We live in a generation of not being in love, and not being together. But, we sure make it feel like we’re together….Cause we’re scared to see each other with somebody else.”- Doing It Wrong, Drake featuring Stevie Wonder.

     I feel like Drake describes our generation perfectly. Divorces are common, Marriages seem uncommon, everyone wants a soul mate, but no one wants to steadily date.  I’m not speaking for everyone; it is just my observation of our generation’s dating style…or maybe just my experiences.  Is chivalry really dead? Is love real? I hope, because everyone deserves to be happy and treated well with their soul mate.

“Checks bounced but we bounced back, I put all the money in your accounts back. And I thank you; I don’t know where I’d really be without that. It worked out man. You deserve it.” – Look What You’ve Done, Drake.

     This is the song dedicated to Drake’s Mother and Uncle. I can relate to this song so well. I don’t know where I’d be without my mother’s encouragement, tough love and caring ways. This song brought tears to my eyes. I think of all the other people who have helped me get to where I am now. I am so thankful for my parents, family and true friends. I can’t wait until the day I can pay my mother back in other ways, because she deserves it. Love you, Mom.

Last but not least, this quote says it all… “May your neighbors respect you, Trouble neglect you, Angels protect you and Heaven accept you.”- Shot For Me, Drake. 

What did you think of Drake’s “Take Care” album? Any comparisons to his last album?

I am me.

Ever since I was announced the “Face of FOX Toledo”, I have been called a local celebrity. It has a nice ring to it, but I’m just Jocelyn Cruz. Starting this dream job at FOX has definitely changed my day to day life. When I’m not working at the station, I am working at the mall and when I’m not working at the mall…I’m posting and blogging on Facebook/Twitter or making appearances at community events!

 I am one busy bee! I love sleep and we’re on a break, just like a relationship. I am finally dipping my feet into where I want to be in life. That’s on television focusing on entertainment, of course!

Okay, so…maybe my schedule does seem a little bit of a Hollywood lifestyle. I really only have been doing this for a little over two weeks now. I have Heather Cook’s big shoes to fill and I hope everyone gives me a chance! She has done a great job and I am so thankful she has helped me ease into this position.

Even though, I may be on TV, I will never take advantage or let this opportunity go to my head. This is a blessing and I am beyond thankful for it and everyone who helped me get here. If you don’t know me, I hope you accept me through my work and talents.

Make sure to keep up with me on Facebook.