We hear foreign accents on CNN. It's crazy, it's wild, who knows, maybe they'll take you because you certainly don't fit in, in the American spectrum of news.

But 17 years ago, I arrived at CNN with a suitcase, with my bicycle, and with about 100 dollars.

We were thrilled and we were privileged to be part of a revolution, because make no mistake about it, Ted Turner changed the world with CNN.

Little did we know then that CNN would become the big league.

Because I am foreign I was assigned to the foreign desk. I kid you not, it's true.

I leave CNN with the utmost respect, love and admiration for the company and everyone who works here. This has been my family and shared endeavor for the past 27 years, and I am forever grateful and proud of all that we have accomplished.