My messaging is not just to empower women, it's actually more directed at men because I think it's important for the men on college campuses to hear a women's perspective on how you shouldn't behave in the workplace.

Social media has allowed people to ramp up their personal attacks on people in the public eye - because there is a sense they can do it anonymously.

Being REAL means showing people who you are underneath all the TV make up too.

I'm a big believer in always challenging yourself and learning new skills.

I learned that I had to work triply hard every time I started a new job in a newsroom to prove my value and worth.

When people watch me on TV they see part of my life. I wanted to let them know the real me behind the scenes. The child who was a concert violinist from the age of six. The young woman who took on the challenge to compete in the Miss America pageant. The television journalist for twenty-five years. The mother of two who, just like most women, struggles to balance work and family.

My hope is that when people read my story, it will inspire them to reach for their goals and not give up. The real story is this: if I can do it, you can too.