Meet the New MyTV9 Star, Tulin Karasay

Meet Tulin Karasay, the new MyTV9 Star!


What are you looking forward to this year as the new MyTV9 Star?
I'm absolutely thrilled to take on this position and can't believe my dreams have actually become my reality! As I take on this new position, what I'm most excited about is going out into Connecticut, meeting new people, discovering and uncovering new and exciting things, and helping businesses better connect with the people of our community. I have a passion for both television and the PR/marketing side of the industry so I'm absolutely thrilled I'm in a position that allows me to combine the two together.

What is your experience in this industry?
I studied at Eastern Connecticut State University where I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Communications strengthened by a minor in Business Administration. ECSU has a great television production program and is equipped with a full studio, control room, and editing room so they definitely made it really convenient and enjoyable to learn in the "classroom." I also interned at CTV14 in North Windham, CT where I was able to take more of a hands-on approach to learning the field. It was a great opportunity because my supervisors really put me to work right alongside of them.

Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised in Connecticut! I grew up in Westbrook and attended Westbrook High School where I graduated with a tiny class of 85. Growing up in such a small town is something I treasure so much because we really are like one big family! Because we really are such a tight knit community, my heart and my home will always remain on the shoreline.

Why did you choose to be in this industry?
Growing up I would always pretend to be on television and I remember specifically pretending to have a show called "Cooking for Kids" where I would instruct parents how to make kid friendly meals while I cooked my own after school treat. I also remember pretending to be the weather girl and after my forecast I would always say "back to you John," my mom always got a kick out of that because no one understood who "John" was. There was also a work out fitness video that I used to pretend to tape… my sisters got a kick out of that one. So later on in life, when choosing my major, I looked back on my childhood and realized television was the career path I’d always dreamt of taking.

What are some of your interests?
I love cooking, staying active, spending time with family and friends, and trying new things. I always say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so I really enjoy hosting and cooking a big meal for my friends and family to enjoy. As much as I love being outdoors and staying active in any way I can, I also enjoy and appreciate when I can sit home and relax with a good movie or book.

What is something interesting about you?
I'm 100% Turkish! To be honest, when I was younger I actually used to be embarrassed of my background. Growing up in such a small town there wasn't much diversity so I hated that I was "different" than everyone else. While I was in college I learned that it's a gift to be different than others and that you should highlight anything and everything that makes you stand out. If you have a unique name that helps to as it always ends up being a great conversation starter!

What is something you've always wanted to do?
I would love to go backpacking and travel the world. That however, could take a long time to accomplish so on a smaller scale, I've always wanted to go skydiving! Whose coming with me?