# Ann Curry's Father Gave Her Advice That Changed Everything > Ann Curry reveals how her father's simple advice about service shaped her 45-year journalism career and empathy. - Title: Ann Curry's Father Gave Her Advice That Changed Everything - Summary: Ann Curry reveals how her father's simple advice about service shaped her 45-year journalism career and empathy. Service to others is the key to a meaningful… - Keywords: ann curry, journalism, empathy, service, sudan, nfl, self care, aging, curiosity, sudan conflict, womens world, cover story - Source: Woman's World — https://womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/ann-curry-reveals-her-secret-to-a-meaningful-life - Author: Bonnie Siegler, Liz Vaccariello - Published: 2026-09-23T14:00:51+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: ann curry, journalism, empathy, service, sudan, nfl, self care, aging, curiosity, sudan conflict, womens world, cover story ## Father's wisdom Ann Curry's father told her to do something of service to others so she knew her life mattered. > Whatever you do in life, whether it's in your job or simply in how you live, do something that is of some good or service to someone else. Because then, and only then, will you know, when you breathe your last breath, that it mattered that you were born. ## Early life lessons Ann was born in Guam to a Japanese mother who immigrated to the U.S. after WWII, facing discrimination. ## Journalism career Ann won two Emmy Awards for her 1987 L.A. earthquake coverage before becoming a TODAY anchor. ## Empathy as muscle Empathy is a natural human ability that can be strengthened through small daily acts of kindness. > Empathy is something I know exists in all of us. We may be out of practice, but it's there. It's a key part of being human. ## Sudan advocacy Ann reports on Sudan's displacement crisis, helping share stories of people affected by war. ## Finding helpers Ann looks for everyday people who help others, noting their actions inspire more kindness. > Mister Rogers used to say to look for the helpers, and I look for the helpers. Whenever you look for the helpers in this world, it's surprising what you see, they're all around us! ## Self care practice Ann takes short walks outside to reset when overwhelmed by news or emotions. > I'll just stop and almost always say, 'Don't overthink it.' Put your shoes on, go outside and take a walk. ## Embracing aging Ann celebrates aging as an achievement, focusing on purposeful living despite physical changes. > It is an achievement to grow old. And if you can grow older and live purposefully, it really is an enormous joy. ## Curiosity drives growth Ann continues learning daily, believing wisdom comes from diverse experiences and challenges. > Wisdom can come from anywhere. Even grief from a terrible loss, there's wisdom in all these things. Embrace it and ingest it. ## Father's advice impact Ann's father's advice about service remains her guiding principle for over 45 years. ## Hope in small actions Ann finds hope by focusing on small meaningful actions during difficult times. > When the world feels like it's falling apart, it's a time to double down on being a force for good. ## Sudan reporting Ann has covered the Sudan conflict since 2023, highlighting displacement stories for global audiences. ## Advice for younger self Ann would tell her younger self to have faith in themselves and worry less about getting everything right. > I would have told my younger self to have faith in yourself. It's going to work out one way or another. ## Service to others Ann believes service to others creates a meaningful life and connects people across generations. > Whatever you do in life, whether it's in your job or simply in how you live, do something that is of some good or service to someone else. ## Current focus Ann is 70 years old and continues her work to inspire empathy and service in the world. ## Key takeaway Service to others is the key to a meaningful life, as emphasized by Ann Curry's father.