Kristen Currie
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Reflection: 4.5 years in ABQ

7/4/2019

10 Comments

 

​Taking it back to December 2014 -- Lubbock, TX to Albuquerque, NM

New Mexico was my second stop in my on-air career, my opportunity to jump out of 'small market TV' and into a place in life where I could actually pay bills & still have money leftover in my bank account (don't get me wrong, I loved my time in the Hub City... but that Market #147 pay was ROUGH).

I joined KRQE in December of 2014 as a naive 22 year old thinking 'OK, I can do this'. Little did I know -- the move to New Mexico would be the hardest transition of my life thus far -- both personally & professionally.

As both a forecaster and as just a gal in her 20s, life came at me HARD my first year in NM. The transition was difficult (to say the least). Viewers were very resistant, I knew no one outside of work, I barely knew the cities/geography of the state. It was a 'what the heck have I done' moment in life.

Everyday, I fought to prove myself. Prove to my coworkers & viewers that I wasn't just a blonde girl who could talk on TV. I spent every shift trying to 'earn my stripes' -- staying late, signing up for community events, getting involved in any way I could.

​Slowly but surely, I started to become familiar with the area, make a few friends outside of the studio and the viewers loosened up (kinda). Year 2... Year 3... and Year 4... I became a stronger forecaster & a stronger person. My skin got thicker... I focused a little more on 'me' and a little less on 'them'... and I could do +25 weather hits in a 4 hour morning show and still have enough energy to go to the gym after my afternoon nap.

Looking back now, I can honestly say, Albuquerque was the smack in the face I needed. I have grown more in my last 4 years here in NM than I have at any other point in my life.

There are definitely things I'll miss... and there's a few things I'm looking forward to going on without... but there's one thing I know for sure: I would not be who I am today if it wasn't for what I learned here in NM. I'll always look back on my time in Albuquerque and think of it as one giant kick in the tush. Between viewer criticism, failed relationships & long days in the Weather Center -- I became a better, badder & stronger version of myself. And for that, I'm grateful.

-- KC

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10 Comments
Roderigo Padilla
7/11/2019 02:47:41 pm

So, make sure you got to Franklin's Barbeque, El Patio, Don Dario's, Dan's Hambugers, Mrs. Johnson's Donuts on Airport Rd, and Madam Mam's on Guadalupe across from UT. And do forget to pose with Stevie on Auditorium Shores!

As for your time here, some of us loved you from the start and are so very sad to see you go, but glad you are going to a great place and station! Austin will absolutely love you like we did in ABQ!

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Ali Vaisvil
7/11/2019 08:48:19 pm

I cried reading this blog.....we moved to Albuquerque for similar reasons, different careers of course but almost the same. I came in August 14....I like you..i struggled the first year, worked my tail off and now ive put down roots here and call Abq home.... however thank you for allowing me to have an on air friend, I got ready to you every morning for 4 years, you're the only station I got. You're inspirational for being beautiful, smart and Christian....i met you in 16 at balloon fiesta with my cousin who was visiting from Boulder. You'll be missed, you really will be, but I know you'll kick butt in Austin!!! I'll be following you on here! Thanks for being an amazing role model!!!

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John Nance
7/12/2019 01:22:54 am

Just a workin stiff myself. Best forcaster in Alb. you are already missed sweetie. I lived in Lubbock and visited Austin, before your time Lubbock was putting my ex thru T.Tech Austin was for fun you I'm sure will hit the ground running and they will love ya. Should be fun following your experience there.

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Roy Keith
7/12/2019 05:52:09 am

I have watched you grow so much. I lived in Lamesa when you were in Lubbock, and have followed you all this time. You are an amazing, strong, intelligent, and gorgeous young woman with a great outlook on life and superb Christian faith. I'm going to continue to follow you and your career. You are and will continue to be a powerful, fun, and inspiring person to me and to many others I'm sure. I know the Lord is blessing and leading you to a much brighter, more awesome future here in Texas!

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Michael Gonzales
7/12/2019 09:25:57 am

What I liked reading the most about this blog was the human face behind the mask. It's so easy for us knuckle dragging cavemen too see you every morning and go She perdy but forget your just like us. It looks like your doing pretty good for your age and have gone thru what many of us did in our 20's. Now your wiser with a fresh start the heart of Texas, I'm sure you'll do great now. Your biggest regret though will be I'm sure not having your car alarm weather clicker anymore. LoL

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CJ
7/16/2019 07:05:51 pm

You are already missed! I have watched you for 4.5 yrs every morning. Your forecasts were the highlight of my morning while getting ready for work. Good luck and prayers for great success in Austin. They are very fortunate to have you! God bless you sweet girl! This Grammy will miss you!

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Samantha A
7/17/2019 06:36:22 pm

After being a silent watcher for the past 4.5 years, reading this blog post compelled me to reach out. I always felt frustrated for you reading through comments on your social media posts. You are a smart, well educated woman and you did a fantastic job on KRQE for 4.5 years. More importantly, though, is the inspiration you gave my almost 5 year old daughter. She watched with me every morning as we got ready. For Christmas, we gave her a microphone on a stand. I can't tell you how many times she stood on a stool in her room pretending to be you, reporting the news to her younger sister and fish. She lost her mind a few weeks ago in Target when they had a news camera and microphone in the Dollar Spot. Now her sister is her camerawoman as she continues to report the weather and news to us.
You are already greatly missed, and I wish you the best of luck on your new venture! Thank you for showing my daughter(s) what a strong, independent, well educated woman can be/do! You handled criticism with grace and elegance - and you are great at what you do.
P.S. - I'm also personally sad to see you go, as I am a teacher and was hoping to invite you to our Earth Day events as a presenter this coming school year! Wahhh!! =) Good luck, and thank you again.

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Bonnie S
7/25/2019 07:42:19 pm

I can not tell you how much my husband and I miss you. You were such an important part of our morning. We liked you as a person, loved you weather coverage and appreciate your joy in what is good about our State. May God bless you in your new position and May your life be a wonderful reflection of His unending love for you.

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Linda Davis
7/28/2019 05:44:54 pm

We always loved you, so sorry the haters were nasty. Never knew that. God bless you on new life adventure. Miss your smile and sweet voice.

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Michael R
12/20/2020 07:15:55 am

I want you to know how much I enjoyed you from our home in T or C. Sorry it was tough on you here. Wishing you love happiness and success where ever you go

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