Poppy Harlow Explains Why She Is Taking Break From CNN to Study at Yale

Martin Holmes August 18, 2021, 9:19 am

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Poppy Harlow is going back to school, which means she is taking a break as anchor of CNN Newsroom.

The long-time broadcast journalist made the announcement to viewers on Tuesday, August 17, revealing that she will be “taking a break from being with you every morning on this show so that I can go back to school. Yes, school!” She went on to explain that she will be attending Yale to study law for a Master’s degree. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” she added. “And if this year and a half has taught me anything, it is, why not try!”

She joined CNN in 2008 and served as the anchor for CNNMoney.com while also acting as a correspondent for CNN. In 2017, Harlow and fellow CNN host Jim Sciutto took over as the new co-anchors of CNN Newsroom.

A little something new for me this fall….but I won’t be too far and you’ll see me back here on @cnn very soon! Thank you to our incredible @cnnnewsroom team who are the magic of this show! pic.twitter.com/VleC3yxrB1

— Poppy Harlow (@PoppyHarlowCNN) August 17, 2021

During her on-air statement, Harlow revealed that one of her favorite parts of the job is covering legal and constitutional issues. She said that it was an interview with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that inspired her to pursue her Master’s in law, citing Ginsburg’s advice that, “You can’t have it all at once, but you can at different times.”

Despite the temporary break, Harlow will still be a fill-in anchor on CNN during holidays and other days that she doesn’t have class. She also joked that the degree program is “only going to be until the spring, so you’re not getting rid of me very long.”

Harlow’s colleagues and peers took to social media to praise her decision and wish her luck in her new endeavor. “You’re an inspiration,” said fellow CNN anchor Ana Cabrera. Similar sentiments were shared by CNN correspondent Rachel Crane, who wrote, “You are such a force and so inspiring my dear pal. Endlessly impressed by all that you do and with such heart always.”

You’re an inspiration, @PoppyHarlowCNN!

— Ana Cabrera (@AnaCabrera) August 17, 2021

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the past 18 months, is that we should try our best to not postpone living our dreams, realizing our goals.
Good move, Poppy, best of luck!

— Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) August 17, 2021

So excited for you, @PoppyHarlowCNN! I’ll be cheering you on.

— Alexis Benveniste (@apbenven) August 17, 2021

👏👏👏

— Erin McLaughlin (@ErinNBCNews) August 17, 2021

Keep following those passions, Poppy. Proud of you

— J. Peter Donald (@JPeterDonald) August 17, 2021

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There was even love from across networks, with NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie writing, “I’m so proud of my friend!! And I know your Daddy is smiling! Go get em!!!” And also Fox Sports host Lindsay Czarniak, who wrote, “Hell yes!!!!!!!!! Congrats Poppy!!”