For Natalia Gomez Del Campo, 22, performing is second nature. A childhood dancer, she made a seamless transition to on-camera reporting. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Natalia now finds herself in the Midwest, but she isn’t a stranger to Iowa.
A connection to Iowa that began with her father
Jeronimo Gomez Del Campo grew up in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. At 15, he spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Des Moines, Iowa. His host mother, Sally Fisher, now a retired teacher, welcomed the teenager into her home.
During his time in the Midwest, the high school sophomore attended Lincoln High and joined the swim team. He had two host brothers, a host father and Fisher, who remained part of his life even after his time in Iowa ended. The two stayed in touch through letters over the years.
In the years that followed, Fisher continued opening her home to students, whether they were in high school or college…