My love affair with New Orleans began when I was about 12 years old. My parents attended a convention and brought me along. I found the texture of the place mesmerizing. Smells of seasonings and history around every corner. As we left, I remember looking back longingly at this wonderfully exciting and curious place. I didn't know then that this city would become my home.
As a native of Opelika, Alabama, the southern charm of New Orleans was not far from my roots. For instance I love to make grits covered with smothered pork chops and gravy. Here they call it grits and grillades!
My curiosity about life and events made news my automatic calling. I started my broadcast career as a high school senior. I landed a job doing evening drive news at WJHO, a local AM radio station. I juggled school events while covering news in the evenings with a little tape recorder and a dream.
In 1988, I graduated with a major in Journalism from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where I have served on the School of Journalism's Alumni Advisory Board and several journalism honors with the most recent being recognized as a Distinguished Journalism Professional. My broadcast aspirations began to unfold.
First as a reporter/photographer at WTVM in Columbus, Ga., then to WSFA TV in Montgomery. Next, I spent six years working at WAFB in Baton Rouge. I was there when Hurricane Andrew decided to pay Louisiana a visit.
In 1996 I signed on to WVUE in New Orleans. The same little girl who was sad to leave New Orleans almost 20 years earlier, put down roots here. The more than a decade I've spent here has given me experiences beyond my wildest dreams.
I was honored to cover Pope John Paul the II's St. Louis visit in 1999. Traveling to Rome for the canonization of St. Katherine Drexel was also a highlight. In 2006 I was one of only 4 gulf coast reporters invited to the White House for a one-on-one interview with President George W. Bush on the Katrina Recovery.
The stories I love most are the ones packed with emotion, stories that can change lives. When my colleague Bob Breck's wife Paula died, I was given the privilege of telling their story and increasing awareness about the dangers of blood clots. A documentary on the subject would later win an Edward R. Murrow Award. That was quite a thrill.
A story of descendents of slaves buying the plantation that their ancestors built in St. John Parish was also an amazing account of lives coming full circle. That report won an Emmy Award.
From AP awards to Press Club honors, to another Emmy nomination, I've been blessed. But, my proudest accomplishments are my three children Parker 8, and the twins Piper and Pierce, 4. They are the joys of my life. Viewers shared the excitement with my husband Glynn Boyd and me as they were born. Our newest addition to the family is Pickle..our dog. A cocker spaniel, Irish Shepherd mix.
I enjoy being active in this community. I served three years on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, I've worked with the organization Dress for Success, that gives women suits to restart their lives in new employment. I love working with the Beautiful Foundation, that gives self esteem to young girls, and I do school talks every opportunity I can. Also, I am committed to the fight against Breast Cancer, and do whatever the local American Cancer Society asks. My mom Patsy Parker is a 14 year survivor.
The hurricanes that devastated the area taught me to appreciate New Orleans even more. The perseverance of so many who lost so much proves how special this area is. I continue to feel the thrill of what makes this city great. I am here to stay.
You can contact Nancy at nparker@fox8live.com.
