Greetings from the Cornhusker state! West Point, Nebraska is where I grew up, in a family of 6, on a rural acreage, where I found my fun in riding my bicycle up and down gravel roads and played in the dirt. Yeah…I was a bit of a tomboy, you might say.
Many of you first met me fresh out of college, back in June of 2009. That was shortly after I graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with a major in Broadcast Journalism, a minor in Political Science and concentrations in History and English.
That's also when I began my career at KCAU as a full-time photojournalist. Starting off in Sioux City was supposed to be just that – a starting point. Especially after internships in bigger markets. From KLKN in Lincoln, Neb. to CBS National News New York City. I was hungry for bigger things.
But there's a reason I'm still here. There's a reason I accepted KCAU's Weekend Anchor position in 2010, and the Morning Anchor position in 2013. I worked hard to continue moving up the ladder here, because week after week, month after month, year after year, I came to learn, Channel 9 is the big thing. I admire the station's values, ethics, team-oriented atmosphere and the people here, that have literally, become my second family. There's no reason, I found out, that I couldn't land my dream job right here.
Yes, I'm doing what I love, and that's waking up with all of you. Telling you the information you need to know before starting your day (and if any of my crazy energy rubs off on you at all, I really succeeded. Because let's be honest…5:00 AM is EARLY!).
So for those who say you "can't have it all" in this business, you can. I've found it all, in you, Siouxland. And quite frankly, I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.
Aside from my job, I love running, cooking, traveling and reading. I love my coffee. My goofy, but gorgeous fiancé – we're getting married in September – and my giant, black dog named Fiona. And of course, being a true, blue (I mean RED) Nebraska girl, I love cheering on my boys in the Scarlet & Cream (Go ‘Skers!).
Thanks for watching, all. And please, if you've got anything to say, anything to ask, I want to hear from you. E-mail me: jcihacek@kcautv.com.
