From as far back as I could remember, I have always wanted to be a reporter. Finally being able to achieve that goal and do what I love every day is a blessing that I am truly grateful for. I not only love being able to share stories with the public, I also am humbled to report on issues that can have a larger social impact. The piece I am most proud of is where I went undercover, as a student, to four different high schools to test their security systems. This in-depth report got me an Associated Press Award for Investigative Journalism, but that's not the part I am most proud of. After the story aired, the school district enacted new policies to make the schools safer. That's the potential power of being a journalist, and why I love what I do.

The other part about being a reporter that I enjoy most is getting to travel. From Oregon's Bay Area, to the Bay State, to Bay-kersfield (okay, I know that doesn't work, but I had to keep the theme going) I have gotten the opportunity to live in different parts of the country because of this job. After graduating from California State University, East Bay, in 2005, I went up north to Coos Bay, Ore., to be an Anchor/Reporter. Then in 2007, I decided to switch coasts an moved to Springfield, Mass., to be an Anchor/Reporter. However, since I am a California girl, I wanted to come back to the West Coast and was fortunate enough to end up in Bakersfield in March 2009.

When I'm not working, I like to spend my time outdoors and am glad Kern County offers so many great places to run and hike. However, I do like plenty of indoor activities, like going to the movies, playing guitar, reading and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers and Boston Red Sox.

You can watch me anchor the weekend news at 5, 6, 10, and 11. I also report three days a week. If you have a story idea for me, feel free to contact me at (661) 325-6397, ex. 229, or send me an e-mail using the link below.

You can e-mail Sabrina at srodriguez@bakersfieldnow.com