Hatch reporter Tom Livingstone profiles the industry professionals teaching at Macleay College for our ongoing series – #FlashbackFridays
Macleay College is paving the way for future journalists with innovative, practical and, most importantly, fun teaching methods. The staff are exceptional, giving students the best education and sculpting them into elite professional communicators.
What shapes these amazing people and what journey have they been on to get to where they are today?
This week #FlashbackFridays profiles Amanda Shalala. Amanda is Macleay Sydney’s sports journalism legend (I mean lecturer…). When Amanda isn’t teaching the sports journalists of tomorrow, she’s smashing out story after great story for the ABC. With a refreshingly positive and genuinely passionate flair for all things sport, Amanda is a perfect example of women doing amazing things in a sometimes male dominated field.
(Above: Amanda interviewing Stuart Reardon at the 2012 London Olympics. Image: Supplied)
1) What job did you first start out within the industry?
My first job was as a cadet journalist at National Radio News while I was studying at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, and first job out of uni was with the TV sport department at the ABC.
2) What did you love about those early days?
When I was starting out at the ABC I would always be in awe of walking into the building, thinking about how many industry icons worked there. I had to be forced to take days off and holidays because I was so excited to be there, I didn’t want to miss a second!
3) What did you hate about them?
Genuinely loved my start in the industry, the hardest part overall now is the ever-changing shift work, especially dreaded early mornings….
4) What is a career highlight you have (or are there a few)?
Covering four Paralympic Games and the London Olympics are definitely the biggest highlights for me. The Paralympics have a particularly special place in my hear. Being part of the ABC’s host broadcasts meant I was able to witness some of the most awe-inspiring, breathtaking feats, proving the capacity of the human spirit to conquer all and shatter the notion of impossible.
5) What do you enjoy about teaching at Macleay?
Macleay fosters a creative, positive, and innovative environment, and the students are very driven and passionate, which makes it incredibly enjoyable as a teacher being able to guide them.
6) Something quirky, most people don’t know about you.
Tina Fey is one of my non-work-related idols, so in a dream parallel universe I’d be writing comedies with her!
7) What would you be doing if you weren’t a journalism superstar?
I’m a TV comedy addict, and am partial to a bit of trivia and karaoke.
8) A quote or belief that personally motivates you each day.
Sport has the power to change the world – Nelson Mandela