Life Lessons and Advice from Today Show Correspondent Natalie Morales

Travel and determination have gotten Natalie Morales where she is today.

"There's nothing like a pat on the back after a four hour news marathon, and getting recognized for my work as a journalist. That is foremost, and I hope people regard me as that." She said "But I'll take the flatter too."

Natalie was recently named correspondent for the NBC network early morning gem "The Today Show," and was in the running to replace Katie Couric as the co-host of the three-hour program.

Morales was born into a military family, her father a member of the Air Force. Being half Brazilian and half Puerto Rican, the military provided important insight into her heritage.

"Living in places like Brazil, where I learned Portuguese, along with Panama and Spain, where I learned Spanish, allowed me to be in touch with the Hispanic culture." She explained, "It is such an integral part of who I am."

In these places she learned the importance of family in the culture. Spain according to Morales is very "cosmopolitan" and "sophisticated." While in Panama and Brazil the people live very simply.

"There is a vast socio-economic class with a very small middle class and a lot of poverty."

Women are also not considered equals. "Machismo," is the very prevalent theme as males play the dominant role in the households.

"Here in the U.S. I think we live to work." She said, "family priorities can fall to the wayside," Morales explained.

"There is an interesting difference between the cultures," she continued "In Hispanic families, children generally live with their families until they marry, and attend local universities," she said.

"I appreciate all the opportunities our country affords us, we know that with hard work and determination the American dream is real and attainable." She said "But family is the key to that dream."

Being a military brat is something that is shared by many journalists.

"They share these common characteristics: quick thinkers, good communicators, down to earth, friendly and able to adapt to new situations." Morales explained. "I know I have benefited professionally as well as by having experienced and being exposed to more than most."

Morales attended Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she had a dual major of journalism and Latin American studies. Her senior year she was the residential assistant in an all freshmen dorm.

"I was always a good writer and storyteller as a kid. My dad also recorded just about every major moment in my life." She remembered, "It was almost a natural progression for me to choose broadcast journalism as my career."
But as many students face hardship trying to find a job out of college, so did she.

"I couldn't find a job in television right out of college so I want into banking." She said " A year and a half later, I knew I would have to push myself harder to find a break in journalism. Ten years later I can't believe where I am and I'm doing what I have always dreamed of."

She realized that as she began in the business, she would have appreciated someone in the "mentor" role, helping her along the way. Morales is now a mentor herself to young women and men with aspirations in the business.

"It is important to lead by example, and to help others realize their strengths." She said, "Unfortunately, too often we hear about our faults and not enough about the great qualities we have to offer."

Morales left with a little piece of advice.

"Follow your heart and your dreams. Visualize where you want to be in life, and work towards that goal" she said "most importantly, be true to yourself and do what you love and have a real passion for it, it will make getting their more enriching," Morales continued "It took me a few years after college to figure our that I was in a job I didn't like, not realizing my career goals. It takes work, commitment, and the right attitude to make it through."