Flipping the switch
The Holidays are off to a great start in Chicago. We can't complain: perfect weather, good bargains (judging by all the people who slept overnight at a store's parking lot and then trampled each other when the doors opened @ 5AM in the spirit of the season) and the city can't look more beautiful. I was honored to help the Mayor of my favorite city in the US to light the Christmas tree in Daley Plaza. I say honored for many reasons. First, because I've only been at WGN for a little over a year and to receive this invitation was a nice recognition that I've become a part of this city. Secondly, because I got to see thousands of you taking in the REAL spirit of the season, caroling together and peacefully celebrating. But I think I was most flattered because I truly love this city.
As many of you know, I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My Christmases were NEVER white, I only know the chorus lines of most carols in English and my immediate family lives there. When people ask me where I'm from, even after living in the US mainland for more that 10 years and marrying into a true Chicago family, my immediate response is "I'm from Puerto Rico". I'm very, very proud of being from another culture, from a tiny island and making it in the big city. But ever since I've returned to Chicago from New York (I lived here for 6 years before leaving to NYC. For more info read my bio) I've know from the bottom of my heart that I have a second hometown. Chicago has welcomed me since the day I got here all by myself 10 years ago at age 21. It has been the city that made me a professional and a well rounded adult. I met my husband here and, as I said, now have a true Chicago family and identity. When I lived in NY, I defended this town's honor from everyone who would say that there's nothing here to see. Just as I encourage everyone to visit my island, I have become the number one ambassador to the windy city.
So, to be invited to dress it up for Christmas and see Chicago in all its shinny holiday splendor has been one of the highlights of my career. When I was a Spanish news reporter in Chicago and covered this event, I always thought of one day being the one to flip the switch with the Mayor in front of the Picasso statue and the brat vendors from the Chriskindl market. (Only in Chicago you get this kind of cultural diversity). That's why being on that stage and saying hello to many of my fellow Chicagoans filled my heart with joy. I have to thank the Chicago office of Special Events for the invitation, our viewers for embracing me and Chicago for making me one of it's very own. Now when they ask me where I'm from I'll say Puerto Rico AND Chicago. Happy Holidays everybody!!!
Comments
Ana, you are a great asset to the WGN morning news. You have a sense of humor, personality and do whatever the producers ask of you. My favorite was when they wanted you to ride a two-wheeler. I just loved you for riding on that 3-wheeler instead, as the biker racers went around and round you. You stayed your course.
I also think it is great that you show respect for your culture and your ancestors--where you started from.
We need more people on air like you
Posted by: Anne Wilmot | November 29, 2006 9:28 AM