Live in Seattle and do what I love.

That's on my list of life goals. I am thrilled to cross it off and fulfill one of my dreams with the KOMO news team.

I grew up in Muncie, Indiana. It's a small town best known for Garfield and Ball jars. That's where I learned to love journalism. It began in Mr. Jone's speech class. He urged me to deejay on my high school's radio station. Since I didn't get any FCC violations, he let me try T.V. and I fell in love.

I went on to Ball State University, David Letterman's alma mater. I spent countless hours in Letterman's wing of the telecommunications building that's appropriately dedicated to all C students. I anchored and reported for the school's weekly newscast. Right before I graduated, I interned for WISH-TV in Indianapolis.

From Indy, I continued my professional path to Kennewick, WA. I got my first real TV news job at KNDU. I was the weekend anchor, producer, reporter, photographer, and even the weather person for a brief while. I spent three wonderful years there before moving to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.

I worked for KVVU Fox 5 in Vegas as a reporter/anchor. When I wasn't chasing breaking news, I covered many stories that got national attention. I reported on the 2004 Presidential battle over the Silver swing state, Britney Spears' wedding/annulment, and tracked down Michael Jackson after child molestation allegations. But, viewers may remember me best for singing with Jackie Chan, going down water park slides, competing in an ice cream eating contest with my co-anchor, and getting into a live snowball fight with my camera man. Yes, there is snow in Las Vegas.

I was elated when asked to join the ranks of the respected KOMO reporters in February 2005.

When I'm not on camera, I love cooking, tasting some of Washington's finest wines, and spending time with my daughter, Gypsy. She's my black Persian cat.

Because of my love of animals, I've been very active volunteering and working for the Humane Society. I've also given a lot of time to the effort of the American Heart Association.

I am also one of the newest and most passionate Mariners fan. I've made room in my heart for the Seahawks, but the Colts are my first love. "Go Blue!" applies to both.

I am proud to be a part of this city, this station, and hope to add to the integrity the station has brought to the community for years.

You can e-mail Rachelle at rmurcia@komotv.com.