Paula Ebben, an anchor for Boston's WBZ-TV's morning news show, recalls her mother often saying to her when she was young, "You remind me of my own mother. You have a nose for news."

Growing up in a family where her grandparents were reporters, there was constant talk of news and politics at the family dinner table so it was no surprise when Paula chose a career in news. As the youngest of ten brothers and sisters, she would often assert herself in the conversations about news stories. Paula attributes her success to "luck and timing" and is grateful for the time she was afforded to start a family before embarking on her childhood passion to be involved in the news world.

Realizing that she needed to be a skillful writer to be a journalist, Paula attended Boston College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While at college she met her husband and they married after graduation.

Paula and her husband, Bill, knew they wanted a family before she immersed herself in a career so she put her career on hold for several years. Paula enjoyed being a full-time, stay-at-home mom for nine years with her four children. "I wanted to be home while they were babies and toddlers and I was lucky enough to do so," shares Paula. But when her youngest reached pre-school age, her career passion was rekindled.

"I still loved politics and the news and knew if I was going to go back to work, it had to be to do something I was passionate about," she said. She received early encouragement from her friend, Emmy Award-winning journalist David Robichaud, currently a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV News, who recognized her passion and would later become a colleague.

"I followed David around for two months and learned the technical part of the business. I was always up on stage as kid. So I thought I'd be good on camera because of my stage experience, and I was a good writer. However, I was not good at the technical piece – how to tell a story, shoot it, edit it, and piece it together for delivery. I took a tape that I had put together with David's help and sent it to WGMC in Worcester."

Two weeks later, the WGMC news director called and asked Paula if she could cover the mayoral election the following week. She would go on to freelance for the next six months, giving her the valuable experience needed to land a job with NECN and later with WBZ, where she progressed to her current position as the morning news anchor.

Paula remembers the encouragement she received along the way, saying, "I received enormous advice and support from news anchor R.D. Sahl." Paula also added that she believes that, "Those who love what they do, love to help people coming along." Paula remembers her father always saying that Boston was the best place in the country for news. "It's a savvy market – there are colleges, hospitals, politics, and sports. I would not be anywhere else, and its home. I feel so lucky!" Paula says appreciatively.

Receiving an enormous amount of support from her husband and children, Paula feels blessed to work in a field that she loves and that also allows her to be available for her family. With a current schedule that has her waking at 2:30 am to head to the station, she has to rely on her husband Bill to get the kids up and ready for school. Since her kids are home asleep through half of her workday they aren't missing this time with her. Having Bill make breakfast and get them off to school provides a unique opportunity for them. "This has created a special relationship for our kids with their dad." Paula says.

Finished at the studio by noon, Paula is free to do errands, pick up her kids at school, and be home at night to cook dinner. She feels so fortunate to do interesting work that she loves, in an industry where the hours work out for her family. Getting to bed by 8:00 is very important so she can be rested for her busy daily routine. Paula says, "It never feels like work. I get paid to get up early," and she is constantly around exciting and interesting people. Paula believes, "People are happiest when they are doing what they love."

Paula and Bill share similar career interests and both love what they do. Bill, who was a communications major, has worked in broadcasting his whole career and is also very passionate about his work. He has an ad agency and broadcasts Boston College sports.

Paula's message to other women: "My parents raised us not to listen to "no". If you are passionate, if you know what you want, you cannot listen to "no". You have to give yourself permission when you dream about something. It is so easy to say 'I can't' and put up roadblocks. Be willing to put yourself out there and take a risk. Having people around you who support you is really important." Paula is grateful for the advice and support offered along her path. She has proven it is never too late to start following your childhood passion.

For more information visit http://wbztv.com/

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