By: Penelope Lopez

/ Hola, everyone! Welcome to the start of a new chapter in my life called nuevas posibilidades. 

My name is Penelope Lopez and from the time I would wake up and get ready for school, the television would always be on broadcasting the news, the news in Spanish, of course. Living as a first generation student, having the news play in the background while I brushed my hair was imperative and that’s where it all started. The love for sharing what was going on in the world drove me to where I am now– an aspiring world news correspondent.  

As a senior, journalism and rhetorical studies major and Spanish minor, I came to finding my niche junior year. I entered Hofstra University with the hopes of becoming an immigration lawyer and fighting for those individuals who are voiceless. As time went on, I realized that my true passion was informing people in my community and those in different cities about what was happening throughout the globe. Thus, I put aside all my law materials and cleared my shelf for 101 journalism books. 

Despite being very worried about starting late into this industry, with all my hard work, I landed my first ever communication internship with WABC the following semester and have been a part of the ABC community ever since. With all this to say, I am looking forward to seeing what Los Angeles will teach me in regards to my career. Additionally, I hope our visits will increase my knowledge and expose me to the possibilities that lie ahead. Personally, I anticipate this trip being life changing and certainly one that I will continue being thankful for. 

I am ready to surf this wave with the talented Hofstra students, staff, and administrators that are joining me on this journey. My new wetsuit is packed and I am excited to ride this huge networking wave. Are you?