Southeast Missouri State University senior Heather Leslie of Bartlett, Tennessee, is taking the fall semester off to continue traveling across the nation, working on the Discovery Channels Street Outlaws: Memphis and Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings.Leslie, a double major in mass communication, TV and film option, and theatre, works as a production assistant with the Pilgrim Media Group, which produces reality shows on drag racing for the Discovery Channel. When the opportunity to travel and make connections in the industry came up, she couldnt resist.The Street Outlaws franchise follows drag racers across the country, capturing their struggles as they compete for trophies, cash and bragging rights. Street Outlaws: Memphis features a group of racers that compete with other groups on the streets. Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings features racers that compete on untreated tracks.On learning of the position:I was hired on because I reached out to a friend who was asking for help via social media for help filling in on set. After that, I just kept being called back to work! I have since found my own niche in the crew. I have made myself a valuable asset to the production by knowing the ins and outs of my specific area. I take my job very seriously, and I love every minute of it.[caption id="attachment_31058" align="alignright" width="240"] Leslie works as a production assistant with the Pilgrim Media Group, which produces reality shows on drag racing for the Discovery Channel. She handles all legal and release paperwork for the shows on site.[/caption]On her duties:There is no such thing as a typical day on set. Some days I start work at 7 a.m. and go until midnight, and others I start at 4 p.m. and go until 7 a.m. I handle all legal and release paperwork for the show so that we dont have to blur any faces in post-production. I work outside in rain, heat and wind, and I run all over chasing down racers who need to do paperwork. At the end of the day when all of my paperwork is completed and in order, it is such a sigh of relief knowing that I beat all the odds to keep it together. I love my job, in particular, because I get to work with the drag racers and their crews. I never knew Id come to love drag racing cars and the people and fans of those who drive them!On the benefits of the experience:Im learning that Im really good at paperwork - really good. I love the feeling of holding a clipboard, and having a walkie-talkie on my belt. I am learning the challenges and rewards of working on a long-term traveling show and that being organized and prepared is so important in this industry. Communication skills are crucial. On any given day, I might be talking to a kid who may have been on camera, drag racers, managers, producers and even executive producers. Having a positive attitude and respect for others goes such a long way, and it may be the difference between getting a job or not. This is a learning experience on how to live on the road. The most important aspect of this job are the connections that can be made. You never know who might be the next person to help you get a job.[caption id="attachment_31060" align="alignleft" width="300"] Leslie's job with "Street Outlaws" takes her all over the country.[/caption]On her favorite moments:This job has given me a chance to see parts of the country that I have never been before. I have literally traveled coast to coast because of this job and experienced lots of adventures along the way. I have been to California, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Oklahoma, Kansas, South Carolina, West Virginia and Maryland. Recently, I traveled to New York City, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Chicago, Illinois. In the upcoming months Ill be in Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.On Southeasts contribution to her success:The faculty at Southeast has made this opportunity possible. They have done me a major courtesy by working with my schedule to allow me to film throughout last semester, and thats one of the reasons I was able to make such good connections. I give the highest accolades to Dr. James Dufek, Fred Jones and Anthony Scherer in the Department of Mass Media for teaching me what I needed to know to allow me to stand out as a candidate for this job and for aiding me in resume- building and field broadcasting work. The theatre and dance faculty have taught me how to hold myself as an industry professional as a performer and how to market myself as valuable individual. I am blessed to attend a university that is so willing to aid in student success.