It’s a big week here at FOX43. We are about to announce the Next Face of FOX — the person who will be taking over my job. Tonight the eliminations begin. Two FOF finalists will be eliminated each night on FOX43 News at 10pm. Then, Friday morning on FOX43 News at 7am, we will announce the winner and I will pass my FlipCam and the title over. Wow, the time went so fast!

I guess this has caused me to be a bit introspective and thinking about what I want to leave on this blog before the ‘Next Face’ takes it over and delights you with their new journey. I suppose I just want to say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of my heart for accepting me as part of the FOX43 family and all your support as we hashed out what this whole Face of FOX thing was about.

Before I was the Face of FOX43, I was a marketing director at Chick-fil-A. I loved my time there, but like every other college student, I had no idea where my life was going or what I wanted to be when I grew up.
When I saw the ad to be the next FOF I thought, “What’s the worst that could happen?” You never know what will happen when you take a leap of faith and try something.
I’m not necessarily the most qualified, the prettiest, the most knowledgeable, and all that kinda stuff, but I do have a drive to succeed and a desire to learn as much as I can from every opportunity I have.
You have to be active about pursuing your dreams and take every opportunity that comes your way.
And let me tell you, you will mess us, you’ll have setbacks, and you’ll have some times you’re not sure if you’re going to make it. BUT with a little faith and determination, you can overcome anything that gets in the way.

I always knew I wanted to make a difference with my life and do something where I interacted with people. Not only is the Face of FOX fun, but I’ve had so many opportunities to come in contact with a lot of different people. Yes, I have met the celebs — David Cook, David Archuleta, the SYTYCD crew, yada, yada, yada…but I’ve also met a little boy at his school’s Career Day so said with a huge smile that he wanted to grow up to be a Pastor! I’ve met kids and their parents at the Edmarc Christmas party who have some severe physical need, but love more and live more than most people. I sang with people on the street over Christmas when we played ‘Don’t Forget the Christmas Lyrics’ — which turned out to be such a fun video. And I’ve stood in line with people at 4am on Black Friday morning, freezing, asking them their stories as they waited in line to get a special someone something special for Christmas. These are the moments that make up the Face of FOX. The people. Those are the moments you take with you.

The Face of FOX isn’t just about celebs and being on TV. To me it means so much more. It’s a huge responsibility — one I don’t take lightly. To me the Face of FOX is about the people you meet along the way and a chance to be an extension of a TV station to show people you care about the things that matter to them and want to share in the joys they experience in everyday life. It’s been life changing to see what happens when you dare dream for your life. It’s been my pleasure to meet people from all around Hampton Roads and beyond. And it’s been my honor to represent FOX43 and Bayport Credit Union.
I once heard the quote, “Shoot for the moon, if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Hampton Roads, as you continue on your own personal journeys, challenge yourself to dream big for your life. You each have an incredible destiny awaiting your life if you choose to go after it.

Again, thank you for all your support and for accepting me as your Face of FOX43. I know you will be in good hands with any of the Top 10.

Much love and blessings to all,

Kelly