Picking the right option

SOME days I can’t believe my luck that I’m in the media industry … other days I think to myself, “What the hell were you thinking?”

Towards the end of my high school career I had three clear career objectives: 1. Become a lawyer, 2. A radio DJ and 3. A journalist.

The first one would have entailed going to university – which was not really much of an option. The second one, when I heard my voice played back … it was one of those “what the hell are you thinking?” moments. Which left me with option three.

Studying journalism would have been great, but if I had to dwell on that fact, I guess I wouldn’t be where I am today.

It just meant hard work to get here.

There have been times during these last few weeks where I have had to pinch myself just to make sure it is all and dandy, while other times I just wanted to cover my head and not face the world.

One of the highs, which will stand out for years to come, is the couple who got married in Kimberley Mediclinic.

That two people can love each other so much that no matter

what they wanted to be bound together for life.

Then last week I had the privilege of being a guest in a KFC kitchen.

Most of us have always wondered what goes on in there … now I know.

I was always under the impression that it was such an easy job – just throw a few chicken pieces in a deep fat fryer, grill a few patties, throw some chips in a fryer and voilà you have your KFC meal.

Back to reality, Michelle. It isn’t as easy as all that. I was even considering taking a job as a burger flipper while I was in America. I’m glad I didn’t.

Making KFC chicken is extremely intricate.

Everything in the process is rigidly controlled. From the delivery of the chicken to the way you put the burger together.

According to the people at KFC if you miss just one step, you might as well throw it all away.

They have scientifically worked out that by, for example, putting a burger together in a specific way, the consumer will enjoy maximum taste.

One thing I also discovered is that you actually have to be quite fit to work in a KFC kitchen.

Besides standing all the time, you are working your arms and body as well.

My hat goes off to all the KFC staff who pull eight-hour shifts.

Then the “what the hell moments” set in.

We, in the media industry, are constantly told not become involved in stories.

This does make sense.

If we had to do that, I can guarantee you we will be basket cases, ready for the men in white jackets to come and take us away for a very long time.

But, how do you not feel with the family who has lost a child? Those are the absolute worst. I never knew Tshepiso Thompson personally. I also did not know little Lebogang Isaacs personally or Boniface Ndlovu. But when you see family and friends grieving for these young people, you feel the tears sliding down your cheeks.

That could have been my nephew or niece. That could have been my family.

We are all human after all. In any industry you have to take the good with the bad.

And you know what? I am glad I picked number three.

I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.