A Dream Come True

I’ve worked in 6 different newsrooms in 5 different states.

My goal has always been to anchor in my hometown.

For about a year, I’ve been working in my down time to improve my anchoring. Imagine shooting free throws in an empty gym- hoping for a chance to save the game for the team. That was me in the studio. I’ve learned how to turn on the lights and prompter with no help. I’d spend many weekends in the studio reading scripts over and over while the camera was turned off.

Saturday night my producer called me. “Brittany, can you be here in an hour? You are anchoring today! Robin is out sick. “ I sure hate Robin couldn’t make it- but I was so excited that it felt like Christmas.

I woke up my husband. He rolled over and told me I was lying then he went back to sleep LOL

I rushed to the shower and started washing my hair. A MAJOR task considering I had little time. I instagramed a picture and labeled it #thesituation

On the way to work, I called my mentor. He works overnights so he was already up. Although I called him to say I was anchoring, it wasn’t the topic of conversation. He’s familiar with my career and has watched my work in other cities. After I got off the phone, I realized that was the best motivation. I hadn’t anchored since I’d been in St. Louis- however that did not mean I forgot how to do it.

Anchoring my last newscast at WBBJ in Jackson, TN.

I got to work Sunday and my producer was just as excited as me. He knew this was my chance to get in the game. He had been watching me practice for months.

I usually promote my TV appearances on social media. Since I didn’t know how well this would go, I sent a text message to my family and told them to grab a cup of coffee. On the way to the studio I called my mom and woke her up.

I walked into the studio- and smiled as I looked at the desk. This was it! YES!

The show started, and I immediately felt comfortable. However, suddenly I started sweating. Like wet armpits sweating. I kept reminding myself- the best anchoring is comfortable anchoring so I forced myself to loosen up. You only get one shot.

As my family started waking up they textd me, to let me know how well I was doing. That was all the motivation I needed to finish the 2 hour show strong. My grandmother said I did a wonderful job and that’s all that matters. LOL

Anchoring in St. Louis has been a dream of mine since college. The feeling of doing what I know and love in this city is a blessing. I posted this picture on social media and got tons of encouraging responses.

My first day back at work- all the assignment editors walked to my desk together and started a slow clap. Even though we never talked about anchoring- they already knew this opportunity meant a lot to me.

I’m excited to keep learning and growing here- and I hope you will continue following and supporting me on this journey.

I also hope this post inspires someone else to reach their dream. When you get there- start making a list of new dreams.