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On the Cover: The Road from Tutuaca by Adriana Lopez
I was born in Mexico, in the city of Chihuahua. I spent my entire childhood and part of my adolescence in the beautiful town of Tutuaca; there I attended kindergarten, elementary and middle school. Tutuaca is a town that I carry very close to my heart and the source of some of my most precious memories. As a kid, I was always involved in extracurricular activities such as chess, oral poetry, reading, in short, and anything else in which I could get involved. My childhood was very happy. I loved school and the teachers were always very nice and attentive to me. I spent the afternoons playing with my 3 siblings --Inez, Dalila and Soledad-- and the neighbor kids. Even though Tutuaca is a very small town, I really enjoyed being able to play outside in the trees without any worries. One of my fondest childhood memories is playing kick the can, jump rope, Jacks, and dodgeball with my family and friends in our patio at home.
I was always very dedicated in school, and to be honest, I was really scared to think about the future. My town is small and to be able to study beyond middle school you have to go to the city. Thinking about my future was something that really filled me with fear and I always remember asking my mom if I was going to be able to go to college.
Adriana Lopez for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @e.t.memories
Adriana Lopez for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @e.t.memories
Behind the Scenes
Photo: @e.t.memories
Behind the Scenes
Photo: @e.t.memories
Adriana Lopez for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @e.t.memories
Adriana Lopez for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @e.t.memories
Although she knew the possibilities were few, I am infinitely grateful to my mother for never saying ‘No’ to me. Instead, she said, ‘Yes you can, God willing.’ I asked because I wanted her to say yes, but not saying no kept my hope intact. As the years passed, my fear grew; I was already in middle school. I pleaded with God to help me find a way to continue my studies. One day, my mother announced that she was pregnant. After that, my parents decided to move our family to the United States. That unexpected move is one of the most impactful events of my life.
The road where my dreams would later come true began in the city of Plano, Texas. I enrolled in the 9th grade, obviously unable to speak any English. My first job was cleaning houses. Later, while I was still a student, I worked in a curtain factory and in a clothing store. During my university years, as a full-time student, there were instances when I had up to three jobs simultaneously.
During the day and between classes, I worked as a receptionist in one of the university offices. On weekends, I worked in a jewelry store putting up earrings. And at night, I worked as a blackjack dealer at corporate party events. Those jobs allowed me to sustain myself during my college years. My parents helped me as much as they could, (I am infinitely grateful) but my expenses were extensive and I had to learn to fend for myself.
Adriana Lopez for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @e.t.memories
Adriana Lopez for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @e.t.memories
Behind the Scenes Images
Photo: @e.t.memories
Behind the Scenes Images
Photo: @e.t.memories
I always say that what is meant to be, will be; which is the only way to explain being drawn into the world of communications. When I first started college I had no idea what to study, my goal had always been to attend college because I knew it would lead to more opportunities. After I had taken all my required courses, it was time to choose a career. First, I took an introductory criminology course and I loved it. Then, another course to become a teacher, which I also loved. Then I took a Business course and I loved it too! I liked everything. But I made my decision after speaking with a counselor at the University. She told me unless I wanted to become something specific, like a doctor, I could choose between many careers. She explained that when applying for a job, they usually require a bachelor’s degree (often it doesn’t matter what field you’re in) plus certain years of experience. I decided on a career in International Business. With that career, I felt that my possibilities were endless and I could work in any field that interested me. When I was a year away from graduating, I met people who worked for a radio station and they told me they were looking for a female voice for the afternoon show. At first, I didn’t think they were serious. But the idea of working for the radio filled me with excitement! It was something totally out of my comfort zone but something that excited me so much; I had to try it. The programmer for that station did not come to Dallas very often so I would have to wait a couple of months for an interview. I told them I would apply for whatever position was available and then work my way to the position I wanted. So I did. I began working in the promotions department. That first summer I worked at different events throughout the metroplex from six in the morning; many times until two in the morning.
After that, I worked for the sales department. When I was finally able to interview for the position, the station’s programmer hired me to work on air along with two other announcers. My love for communications just got stronger. After working for a year on the air, I was offered my turn on the radio. I accepted. At that time I was one year away from finishing my bachelor’s degree in International business. I decided to finish my degree in Business and then pursue a master’s degree in journalism.
Television arrived just like radio; without me looking for it. After having a turn on the air, the idea came up to work on a crossover project between radio and television, and I was asked to be a cohost. With great emotion and trepidation, I said yes; it was such a fun experience! It was a lifestyle and entertainment program in which I had the opportunity to interview current celebrities. There I fell in love even more with the world of communications. At the time I was one year away from finishing my degree in International Business so I decided to finish my degree in that branch and then do a master’s degree in journalism. That’s what I did. In 2008, I graduated with a master’s in journalism from the University of North Texas (UNT).
I came from a small town where the idea of being something more than a housewife was almost nil. It was challenging to leave fear behind; validate my dreams and convince myself that I could achieve everything I set out to do. Working on myself in a way where I had to change my way of thinking without damaging the values that my parents instilled in me. Deciding what stayed with me and what didn’t. Reinventing myself. I would dictate who ‘Adriana’ was and who she would be. Not placing limits on myself. That was the biggest challenge I had to face: Me.
Today, my goal is to educate others through entertainment and to motivate them to create their criteria. It seems to me that many times people are more receptive to learning something new when it is done entertainingly. I am also very passionate about encouraging people to think about the information presented, not to assume or accept something. I want people to decide what works best for them and their families and make their judgments.
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BUSINESS ROLE MODEL
Without a doubt Oprah Winfrey. I admire a woman who has not only achieved the impossible but has not used her physical beauty to achieve her goals. I want women to be valued not only for their physique but for everything we are capable of doing.
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
Without a doubt, the woman who has had the most influence on my life has been my mother. I think she was the first to believe in me when I didn’t even know I could go to college. She never told me that my dreams would not come true. My two sisters, Dalila and Soledad, have also influenced my life in a big way. I learned that what I wanted and what made me happy was not the same thing that made others happy. Each of us must seek happiness. My cousin Marisol Trevizo was undoubtedly another influence in my life. As a child, she was the only professional woman I knew, so I wanted to follow in her footsteps.
Adriana Lopez for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @e.t.memories
I always have students from the University who contact me for advice. I always give it to them. It is important not only to move forward but to try to open the way for those who come after. Through interviews on the show, I always try to support more women to continue to grow and shine. Build your support system. My husband not only believes in me but sees in me what sometimes I don’t even see myself. He wants me to keep growing bigger and bigger. My parents and my siblings have also undoubtedly supported me greatly throughout my career. And now? I am ready for any challenge that comes my way! I recently jumped into the English-speaking market as a correspondent for NBC5’s Texas Today; something I never thought I would be able to do. I really appreciated the opportunity and the nice reception from the viewers. It has certainly been a greatly satisfying adventure!
Adriana López is a television producer and hostess of Acesso Total (Total Access) on Telemundo39 and correspondent for Texas Today on NBC5. She has bachelor’s degree in International Business a master’s degree in journalism with a concentration in radio, television and cinema.
