Texas Student’s Letter Lands Him a Dream Gig as Weatherman

When we were younger we were always told to follow our dreams and to never give up, and for one El Paso kid, that dream was made after he wrote a letter to his favorite local meteorologist to see if he could join him at work one day, and that day came sooner than expected!

Daniel Salazar, a 6th grader from Alderete Middle School, recently had a major main character moment when he visited the KVIA studio in El Paso, Texas and became “Meteorologist for a Day.” 

This proud Canutillo kid wrote a letter to one of the best meteorologists in town, Chief Meteorologist Doppler Dave Speelman, and it was so sweet and smart it could’ve made the clouds cry. (It sure made me cry!)

In the letter, Daniel shared his STEM-loving heart and passion for meteorology. He asked Doppler Dave which college to attend, mentioned the DIY weather station he’s building (complete with wind speed, temp, and humidity sensors—like, WHAT?!) and even his plans to start a weather club and build a tornado probe.

Doppler and the KVIA team were so moved by this letter that they invited Daniel to come on set and watch Doopler Dave in action! And he even got the opportunity to do his own forecast!

This reminded me of the time I had a precious princess visit me at the KVIA studio when I was a weather anchor a few years back. I let her take over the mic and she become a weather anchor for the day. Her eyes LIT up. That’s when it hit me—this is what it’s all about.

We’ve got to keep opening these spaces to young minds. Whether it’s a TV studio, a newsroom, or a radio booth—showing kids our jobs might be the exact moment their dreams take shape.

You never know what you’ll spark when you say, “Sure, kid—take the mic.” 

Doppler Dave, you are a class act! Keep inspiring our youth!