This much I know: Síle Seoige, Broadcaster

I got into television by a happy accident.

My sister (Gráinne) was already working there. On the first day at work I was put in front of the camera. I was petrified. I was thrown in at the deep end, but it was the greatest training I ever got. I went from school straight into presenting and I was like a sponge coming to it fresh and open to all the suggestions.

My first job was presenting a movie show for TG4. It was a lot of fun. I used to fly to London and interview a director or actor and fly back with the tapes, then we’d edit my piece into the body of the show.

As a kid, I was a little shy, a bit awkward.

My advice to anyone who wants to work in broadcasting is just be yourself, otherwise people will see right through you. I’ve been there. Out of insecurity, when I started out on air I wasn’t myself and it has taken me time and life experience to realise you have to accept who you are and it’s alright just to be yourself.

Having a sister in the business was what it was, but it was certainly a help. We are very close. She is one of my best friends and I’d be lost without her. We’ve worked together, and that was kind of a dream job.

I live in Dublin now, but home will always be Spiddal.

When I got the opportunity to do radio it was a bit of a revelation, I fell in love with the medium because you get an immediate connection with the listener.

I’m not sure if I’m wired for 9 to 5. I thrive on the spontaneity of being freelance and getting the opportunity to try different projects and meet lots of different people. I wouldn’t be honest if I said the insecurity of it never bothered me, but this is the path I’ve chosen.

I’m not great at having a work/life balance. You need to go with the work when it comes your way. But my boundaries are improving as time goes on, it comes with maturity: sometimes you just have to say no.

I’m thirty-four now and have had some life-changing moments that have given me perspective. I was ill for a while and that was a challenge. When I speak about it now, I’m very aware of what other people are going through or went through. I had cancer but I was very fortunate. The treatment took about a year, but I didn’t have to have chemotherapy and didn’t have any hair loss.

It was a shock to the system and made me take stock. I realised how much I have to be happy and thankful for. Now, I try to enjoy even the simple things and, if an opportunity comes my way, I say ‘yes’. Even if it’s a sky dive. I feel the fear and do it anyway, although I still need to work on my self-belief.

The traits I value most in my friends are honesty and mutual respect, even if we have totally different views on a subject.

I’m a romantic and pretty sentimental, but I’m a realist and a pragmatist as well, so I’m a mixed bag really. I’m a big believer in being straight up, having to put on masks doesn’t sit well with me. Sometimes I have to bite my tongue.

I’m not the tidiest. I’m a hoarder. I’ve only recently thrown out a top I bought when I was nineteen. I had a sentimental attachment to it.

I got into running recently and find it great for mental health as well as for fitness. I have run 10k’s and half marathons and I train regularly in BodyByrne.

I’m a night owl. I’d love to be a morning person but I come alive around lunch time and can work late into the night.

So far life has taught me that nobody owns tomorrow, it’s a cliche but its true.

Síle Seoige is an ambassador for The Calor Community Champion — searching for local champions across the country who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people around them. The winner will be announced on Nov 6.