Atish Baidya: WCHS-TV Eyewitness News

Since beginning my career as a journalist, I'm often asked "How'd you end up here?"

The answer is simple, I go where the job takes me and I love the opportunity to live in different parts of this great nation.

Right now, the job has landed me in the great state of West Virginia and I'm proud to call Charleston my new home.

So, how DID I end up here?

My parents are originally from Nepal (most of my extended family still lives in the capitol city of Kathmandu) but I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii but spent most of my childhood in sunny San Diego, California. I graduated from the University of Southern California (Fight On Trojans!) with a BA in Broadcast Journalism. After graduation, I started as a freelance news writer at the Fox affiliate in San Diego, writing for "Fox in the Morning". Soon, I jumped to the NBC affiliate and worked as a writer for their morning newscast (starting work at 1 a.m. is "interesting" to say the least). At the same time, I also started working as a "newsman" for the Associated Press in San Diego.

In March 2006, WHIZ in Zanesville, Ohio offered me a job as a reporter and weekend weather anchor. So, I packed the essentials of my life into two suitcases and moved to the Buckeye State. After a year at WHIZ, covering all sorts of stories and being promoted from weather anchor to weekend news anchor, I'm now here in the Mountain State.

On my days off, I enjoy getting lost in a good book, watching movies, catching up on sleep, and spending time with friends. I love to eat (sushi and Thai food are among my favorites, other than my mom's home cooking) and am very excited to explore all the different restaurants Charleston has to offer. I'm also excited to explore the outdoor beauty of West Virginia, though I do miss the beach!

While I am enjoying this adventure, I do miss my friends and family (and my dog Klara) in San Diego. Without their love and support I wouldn't be where I am at this point in my life. I know my Dad Googles my name at LEAST once a day and looks at the station website constantly.

But that is enough about me; I want to hear from you! Feel free to send me an e-mail; I'm always looking for good story ideas.

You can contact Atish at:

ABaidya@wchstv.com

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