NBC10 meteorologist Brittney Shipp visits Faust Elementary, reads ‘The Meteorologist in Me’
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
There was always something about the weather that fascinated Brittney Shipp. As a child, the Los Angeles, California, native would often “shush” her family at the dinner table when it was time for the forecast. It was her favorite part of the evening news.
Every night while the meteorologist graced the screen to present the seven-day forecast, Shipp longed to do the same, to one day predict massive storms and inform viewers of beautiful, sunny days ahead. However, when she told family and friends about her lofty goal, they laughed in her face. People told Shipp she wasn’t smart enough to study the weather, and not confident enough to be on television.
But she didn’t let those negative words get her down. During her time at UCLA and Mississippi State University, from which she graduated with a degree in international development studies and certificate of broadcast meteorology, respectively, Shipp completed as many internships as possible at various news stations. Soon after, she landed her first job in the population-of-100,000 Yuma, Arizona, and diligently climbed her way up the industry ladder.
Currently, not only is Shipp a weekday morning meteorologist on NBC10, she is a published author of the children’s book The Meteorologist in Me, which chronicles her personal journey through the eyes of main character Summer.
Recently, Shipp stopped by Samuel K. Faust Elementary School, located at 2901 Bellview Drive, to treat the fourth-graders to a special reading of the book, an in-depth presentation on what a meteorologist does, and inspiring words of advice for students with big dreams.
Taking place in the school’s gym, the assembly kicked off with Shipp leading her captivated audience in words of positive affirmation. Repeating after her, the children recited, “I’m awesome, I’m smart, and I can write my own books.”
They listened intently as she animatedly read aloud The Meteorologist in Me, detailing the trials and tribulations she experienced in her quest to become a meteorologist.
“I know I have a dream, but it’s hard to believe in myself if I keep hearing, ‘I can’t do this,’” Shipp read. “But for now, I will keep studying.”
The story concludes with Summer ignoring her non-supporters and landing an on-air gig.
“You can do anything you put your mind to, no matter what,” said Shipp.
And she’s living proof of that sentiment. A meteorologist for more than 10 years, Shipp explained how she worked tirelessly to get to where she is today, in the major market of Philadelphia. Nothing was ever handed to her, and everything was earned and fought for.
“You’re not that good when you first start. You need some experience. You start small and then you work your way up to bigger markets,” she said. “I was so shy and nervous the very first time I had to be on TV because I had just never done it before. There’s no way to prepare for doing this, except doing it.”
Shipp stressed to the students an idea they can utilize in their own lives — practice makes perfect. Though she exudes the air of a poised professional, Shipp admitted this wasn’t always the case, especially when she was first learning how to use the green screen behind her.
“It takes a few days to get used to pointing and kind of figuring out where the numbers are. But once you have it down, you always have it down,” she said.
Even today, moreso during the winter months, an inaccurate forecast can occasionally slip through the cracks.
“The weather is not an exact science,” she said. “It’s interesting because the weather is constantly changing, and no two days are alike.”
For Shipp, that’s one of the things she loves most about the job. Not only is the forecast never repetitive, neither is her schedule. According to Shipp, meteorologists are constantly studying the weather, dutifully watching for unexpected storm systems.
“That’s when your adrenaline starts going because you want to make sure people stay safe,” she said, adding that she’ll often stay at the studio overnight or at a nearby hotel during these situations.
The students were invited to ask Shipp questions during a Q&A session, during which she discussed the satellite and radar technology used to study the weather, how meteorology is truly a team effort, and the exciting places she had the pleasure of traveling to over the years, including Spain, Italy, South Africa and India.
Before concluding her presentation, Shipp imparted some words of advice.
“Find something that you like doing, that you’re passionate about,” she said. “Then you won’t mind going to work every day.” ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
