27 Rejections And A Dream: The Untold Story Of Hoda Kotb’s Young Life And Career Beginnings
The story of Hoda Kotb's young life is not one of instant stardom, but a powerful testament to perseverance, marked by a shocking number of rejections that would have stopped most people in their tracks. As of late 2025, the beloved broadcaster has entered a new "begin again" era, stepping away from her long-time role on the *Today* show to focus on new projects, including her book *Jump and Find Joy*. This new chapter provides the perfect opportunity to look back at the grit and determination of the young Hoda—a journey from a small-town news desk to the pinnacle of American morning television, all starting with a relentless, 10-day road trip of hope and heartbreak.
The journey of Hoda Kotb from a determined college graduate to a national icon is a masterclass in resilience. Her early career struggles, which included a grueling cross-country search for a job, reveal a side of the television personality that many viewers may not realize existed. Her persistence in the face of overwhelming odds is the true foundation of her success and a powerful story for anyone chasing an ambitious dream.
Hoda Kotb: A Complete Biography and Profile
Hoda Kotb’s background is a diverse tapestry of American and Egyptian heritage, shaping her unique perspective on life and broadcasting. Her full profile paints the picture of a woman driven by family, education, and an unwavering belief in her path.
- Full Name: Hoda Kotb
- Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
- Age (as of late 2025): 61
- Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
- Parents: Sami Kotb (Mother) and Abdel Kader Kotb (Father). Both were Egyptian immigrants who came to the U.S. to pursue their studies.
- Hometowns: Kotb spent parts of her childhood in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, due to her father’s career.
- Education: Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University). She graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism.
- Early Career Milestone: First on-air job at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi, in 1986.
- Major Career Roles: *Dateline NBC* correspondent (1998–2008), co-host of *Today with Hoda & Jenna*, and former main co-anchor of the *Today* show.
- Personal Life: Mother to two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
The Shocking Road Trip: 27 Rejections Before Success
The transition from a college graduate to a professional broadcaster was anything but smooth for the young Hoda Kotb. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1986, she immediately set her sights on landing her first on-air job. The reality she faced, however, was a brutal series of setbacks that few in her position would have endured.
The legendary story involves a desperate, 10-day road trip across the American South. Kotb packed her car and drove from one small-town television station to the next, cassette tape demo reel in hand, hoping for a chance. She was repeatedly turned away, often with little more than a polite dismissal.
The Number That Defined Her Early Career
The total number of times Hoda Kotb was told "no" before getting her first job has become one of the most famous anecdotes of her life: 27 rejections. She recounts the grueling experience of driving for days, sleeping in her car, and facing constant disappointment. This period of her life perfectly encapsulates the raw ambition and unshakeable belief that fueled her entire career.
Her breakthrough finally came at a CBS affiliate, WXVT, in Greenville, Mississippi. After a long, emotional pitch, the news director—a man named Stan—finally gave her a chance. That small gig in the Mississippi Delta became the launchpad for a career that would eventually span four decades and lead her to the top of NBC News.
From Virginia Tech Hokie to National Correspondent
Before the rejections and the road trip, Hoda Kotb was a dedicated student at Virginia Tech. She credits her time at the university, where she majored in broadcast journalism, with instilling the foundational skills and confidence she needed. She was an active member of the campus community, falling in love with the school after her sister also attended.
Her career trajectory after her first job was a steady, upward climb through local and regional news markets:
- Local News Stints: After Greenville, Mississippi, she worked as a reporter in Moline, Illinois, and other regional markets, honing her craft in every aspect of local television news.
- NBC News (1998): Kotb joined the national stage as a correspondent for NBC News in 1998. This was a major step up, putting her on the path to becoming a recognized face across the country.
- *Dateline NBC* (1998–2008): For a decade, she served as a contributing anchor and correspondent for the investigative newsmagazine *Dateline NBC*, covering major stories and developing the empathetic interviewing style she is known for today.
- *Today* Show (2007): Her role on the fourth hour of the *Today* show, initially with Kathie Lee Gifford, began in 2007. This is where she truly became a household name, showcasing her warmth and humor.
This long, deliberate climb highlights that the "young Hoda" spent years in the trenches of journalism, paying her dues long before she became a morning television icon.
Hoda Kotb’s ‘Begin Again’ Era: A Fresh Chapter in Her 60s (2025 Updates)
The story of the young Hoda Kotb's struggles and triumphs is now being contrasted with a major, new chapter in her life. As of 2025, Hoda has embraced a significant career shift, proving that the drive and ambition of her youth have not faded.
In early 2025, she officially stepped away from her main co-anchor role on the flagship *Today* show broadcast, signaling a move toward a more flexible career path. She has since described her 60s as her "begin again" era, a time for new challenges and priorities outside of the rigorous daily morning show schedule.
This new phase includes a focus on her writing. She is releasing a new book, *Jump and Find Joy*, in September 2025, which she is promoting with a book tour. The book is expected to draw heavily on the lessons of perseverance, joy, and finding strength in difficult times—themes that clearly resonate with her own journey, from the 27 rejections of her youth to her later battle with breast cancer.
Hoda Kotb’s young life was defined by the pursuit of a dream against all odds. Her current life, in her 60s, is defined by the freedom to choose her next dream. She continues to inspire millions by demonstrating that age is simply a number and that the spirit of a determined young graduate remains strong, ready to "begin again" whenever the opportunity arises. Her story is a powerful reminder that the biggest successes are often built on a foundation of numerous rejections.
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