Life Lessons and Advice from Today Show Correspondent Natalie Morales

Travel and determination have gotten Natalie Morales where she is today.

"There's nothing like a pat on the back after a four hour news marathon, and getting recognized for my work as a journalist. That is foremost, and I hope people regard me as that." She said "But I'll take the flatter too."

Natalie was recently named correspondent for the NBC network early morning gem "The Today Show," and was in the running to replace Katie Couric as the co-host of the three-hour program.

Morales was born into a military family, her father a member of the Air Force. Being half Brazilian and half Puerto Rican, the military provided important insight into her heritage.

"Living in places like Brazil, where I learned Portuguese, along with Panama and Spain, where I learned Spanish, allowed me to be in touch with the Hispanic culture." She explained, "It is such an integral part of who I am."

In these places she learned the importance of family in the culture. Spain according to Morales is very "cosmopolitan" and "sophisticated." While in Panama and Brazil the people live very simply.

"There is a vast socio-economic class with a very small middle class and a lot of poverty."

Women are also not considered equals. "Machismo," is the very prevalent theme as males play the dominant role in the households.

"Here in the U.S. I think we live to work." She said, "family priorities can fall to the wayside," Morales explained.

"There is an interesting difference between the cultures," she continued "In Hispanic families, children generally live with their families until they marry, and attend local universities," she said.

"I appreciate all the opportunities our country affords us, we know that with hard work and determination the American dream is real and attainable." She said "But family is the key to that dream."

Being a military brat is something that is shared by many journalists.