Arlington…
We spend a lot of time each day talking about the many reasons we love this city.
Even with us expressing our fondness for Arlington, it’s always cool to get feedback from local personalities to see what they enjoy about our town.
In this edition of “What I Love About Arlington”, we caught up with CBS 11 news journalist Elizabeth Dinh. Elizabeth is a graduate of Sam Houston High School and University of Texas at Arlington. She gave us some insight on her time in Arlington and what she loves about our city. Enjoy!
You graduated from Sam Houston High School and UT Arlington. What was your first impression of Arlington?
Much of my life was spent in Arlington. I was born in Irving, and my parents moved to Grand Prairie when I was a toddler – but we lived in an Arlington ISD District zone. I attended Johns Elementary School, Farrell Elementary and Hutcheson as well.
Some of my earliest Arlington memories include watching games at the old Arlington Stadium with my family. I remember sitting in the outfield on the seats that were like bleachers, watching Nolan Ryan pitch, and oddly enough – a vendor who was known for shouting “Hooooot Dooooog!” (does anyone know where he is now?!)
Arlington is filled with friendly people, and it’s a diverse community I love very much. As the child of Vietnamese immigrants, I never thought that it was unusual to know so many Vietnamese people, until I lived out-of-state in some areas where there weren’t as many Vietnamese people. I am grateful I was able to grow up in a community where I learned about both my American and Vietnamese cultures. I think that’s something that makes Arlington very special to me.
It’s very clear on social media that you have a lot of UT Arlington pride. What was it that you liked most about your time there as a student?
I met my husband, Kevin (he’s a Bowie HS grad), while attending UTA. We’ve been together for more than 13 years and married for almost eight. I have many wonderful memories from my years at UTA, and spending time with my now-husband are some of them. Other great memories are with friends I met at UTA… many of whom, I am still close with, more than a decade later.
You and Arlington native/resident Karen Borta are colleagues at CBS 11. What’s your relationship with her like?
I was star-struck when I met her during my interview in 2012. But the intimidation I felt quickly went away. She is a friendly woman who made me feel welcome. We hit it off immediately, especially with the Arlington and UTA ties we have. I didn’t get to see her often, due to our opposite shifts. But now that she’s on the morning newscast as well, I see her more often, and it’s great to talk with someone who is both a friend and colleague. Whether we are dishing about what we did over the weekend, or I am seeking her advice about a work-related issue, Karen is someone I don’t hesitate to turn to. She’s a fabulous and kind woman.
What are some of your favorite shop and dine in Arlington?
Aside from visiting our families in south Arlington, my husband and I usually make a stop at one of the many Vietnamese restaurants in the city. It’s comfort food!
I worked at the Parks at Arlington for several years while I was in high school and college – so that place is always convenient for me. I like how Gracie Lane and the Shoppes at Brownstone Village have some cool, unique things to offer.
How would you describe Arlington to a stranger in one word?
Extraordinary.
To connect with Elizabeth, follow her on Twitter and “like” her on Facebook.
photo credit: CBS11