How Fox 29’s Drew Anderson Became a Meteorologist — And What Students Can Learn from His Journey
We recently visited Fox 29 for a “PhillyGoes2College on Good Day” segment, and afterward, we flipped the script and interviewed Meteorologist Drew Anderson for our “From Now to the Future” series. Drew shared an inspiring story about how one childhood moment—and one caring adult—ignited the passion that led him to become a meteorologist on TV today.
It Only Takes One Moment to Spark a Dream
Drew grew up watching Good Day Philadelphia as a kid. He didn’t know it at the time, but one unforgettable moment would launch his entire career.
His mom noticed how much he loved weather and television. When the Good Day team took their show “on the road” in 1997, she pulled him out of school, brought him to the shore, and put him in the perfect place at the perfect time.
Drew ended up doing the weather live on TV as a third grader.
From there, the meteorologist he worked with became a mentor and family friend—planting a dream that stayed with him for years.
“It just takes one person to nurture something.”
—Drew Anderson
How He Became a Meteorologist
When it was time for college, Drew followed that early spark and enrolled at Penn State University to study meteorology.
But he also makes it clear:
There isn’t just one path to being on TV.
Drew explained that some schools—including Penn State and Mississippi State—offer weather certificates for students who don’t want the heavy math and physics required for a full meteorology degree. Many communications majors use this route to become certified broadcast meteorologists.
His advice for students?
If you hit a roadblock, there’s always another way. Don’t give up. Take the detour.
Why He Chose Penn State
While his dad encouraged Ivy League options, Drew trusted his gut.
After touring several campuses, Penn State was the only school that felt right.
He applied, got in, attended the main campus, and never looked back.
He even came full circle—he now teaches college classes, including at the local Penn State campus he once attended for summer session.
The Biggest Surprise About Working on TV
Drew says one of the biggest lessons he learned is something students rarely expect:
The best communicators keep things simple.
In school, students often try to sound smart—big vocabulary, complex explanations, and scientific jargon. But in the real world, clarity matters more than fancy language.
“Just write how we talk. Be conversational. Meet people where they are.”
It’s a powerful reminder for students writing essays, preparing presentations, or learning to communicate professionally.
A Local Journey with Real Persistence
Drew grew up in West Chester and worked for years at smaller stations across Pennsylvania—Harrisburg, Allentown, York, and Lancaster—before joining Fox 29.
The path wasn’t fast or easy.
He spent years commuting long distances, grinding, and building experience before landing at the station closest to home.
His message to students:
“Keep grinding. Keep working. Opportunities come when you stay ready.”
Life Beyond the Weather Screen
Outside of Fox 29, Drew is a true educator.
He teaches college courses and even substitute-teaches at local schools when he’s off the air.
Why?
He genuinely loves teaching—and believes every student should know about the opportunities available to them.
“You don’t know what you don’t know. Sometimes it takes someone saying, ‘Hey, check this out’ to change everything.”
Quick-Fire Favorites
Favorite college memory:
The community—studying together, hanging out together, learning from peers, and building lifelong relationships.
Advice to his high school self:
“The acne goes away. You’re good.
Keep grinding—things will fall into place.”
🎥 Watch the Full Interview
See our full conversation with Drew Anderson on our YouTube channel—then hit subscribe for more college, career, and future-focused stories from PhillyGoes2College:
👉 https://bit.ly/3LMohud
