"Do you remember that test they give you in high school, the one that's supposed to tell you what you should be when you grow up? Well, I took that test in my hometown of Houston. And when I saw the results, I thought, "Yeah, right." The person who dropped classes when the teachers said there would be an oral presentation could never be a reporter! Me report on live television? I never thought it would happen.

And, at first, it didn't happen. I left Texas for parts unknown and landed in Honolulu, where I graduated summa cum laude from Chaminade University (yes that's the school with the Maui Invitational Basketball Championship!!). That's where I received a B.S. in Behavioral Sciences. Between undergrad and graduate school, my life took a huge turn. I was crowned Miss Hawaii USA (won't tell you what year!!). Then after competing in Miss USA, I received my Master's Degree in Television and Film from Boston University.

My first "real job" in television took me to Yakima, Washington, where I shot, edited, wrote, and then read my stories on the evening news!! What an experience! Next stop, Green Bay (I know, I know... Packers territory!). I am a huge Cowboys fan, but there really is something special about watching a game at Lambeau Field!! Come on, even if you love the Cowboys you have to agree with me!!!

One of my best TV experiences? Traveling to Israel with former Packers great Reggie White. The "Minister of Defense" walked through the Promised Land with about 300 of his followers. I was there to capture the event. The hard work paid off when the half-hour documentary won awards from the Associated Press, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the Wisconsin Association of Broadcasters. It was also a truly personally rewarding story.

Well, I give credit to my teachers, all of them who helped me believe in myself and taught me that I could get up in front of a group of people without passing out!!! I am back in the Lone Star State, anchoring the 6p and 9p newscasts right here on KDFW FOX 4. What an opportunity! I am ready for a great future with the team at FOX 4!! The moral of all this?? Listen to your teachers -- that test you take in high school just might be right!

--KDFWFOX4.com