Michelle

A 27-year old, 4th year Communication major at UC Davis, my ultimate goal is to report for a major television network, and eventually become an International Correspondent. My two passions in life are television journalism and world travel, if I can spend the rest of my life in a career that integrates these passions, that means I found my American Dream. This summer I fulfilled my childhood dream of living and working in England when I flew to the UK alone, moved into a one-bedroom apartment in the middle of Bristol, and interned for BBC Points West. When news sources are concerned, I always rely on BBC and CNN. I feel extremely honored to have the opportunity to work alongside professionals in a newsroom that not only sets the bar for networks worldwide, but one that also welcomed me with open arms. I absolutely love the UK, and wish I could stay there longer, but I know one day, I will return to the place I love as a professional from the United States. After three years working for the University Station, producing, anchoring, and reporting, I know I belong in the newsroom and in the field or studio as a reporter. Aside from the newsroom, the other place I belong is a city by the water, because I was born in the city by the bay, San Francisco, CA, a place I am proud to call my hometown. I am urban-born and suburban-bred, which means I have small town values, but the heart of a city girl. My childhood years were spent in the golden foothills of the Sacramento Valley, I was a shy little girl who slowly came out of her shell, one extra-curricular activity at a time… It all started when I was a print & runway model for Macy’s Back-to-School & Passport campaigns when I was 6-years old. Then, it went on to dance classes throughout elementary school. Next, it was the dance competitions & pageants when I was in middle school. Finally, in high school… it was cheerleading, acting, ASB leadership, being dance team captain, and crowned Miss American Junior Teen 2002. There were many awkward phases in between that included speaking little English, being chubby, the short kid, wearing glasses, having asthma, mild scoliosis, IBTC days, and crooked teeth, but these experiences are what humbled me… and gave me more time to spend in the library to read, do homework, and be a nerd. A nerd I was, but a fashion guru is something I have always been, and always will be, thanks to Mom. Without my mother’s fashion influence, I would have been a teenage disaster. She’s the best mom and the best friend a girl could ask for, I tell her everything. All-in-all… my family is the best. My dad is the coolest, a total kid at heart, with a great sense of humor that makes all children love him. My little brother, I call him “Baby Bear,” because his hugs are the best, everyone that’s lucky enough to hug him will agree with me, he’s the sweetest kid ever. He’s also my good luck charm, while most little brothers would dodge their older sister’s dance recitals, shows, and competitions, mine always came and watched, he always brought me good luck. I perform best when my little brother is sitting in the audience. My little brother may be twice my size now, but I’ll always protect that kid as long as I live. What can I say… he’s always the baby to me, and he’s cool with being a kid forever, because my brother is young at heart, he claims “I have the magic age of 10.” I think his idea is quite ingenious. With 70,000 miles logged in a year, a passion for what I do, and a newfound sense of independence, I might take my baby brother’s lead, and claim “the magic age of 27.”