I remember the time when a popular Prime Time News update wouldn’t be complete without seeing this lovely personality present the weather update. Nishu Hassim has been in the media for just a decade now, and is hands down one of the most impressive and lively characters I’ve met. As of recent times, Nishu has also ventured out into the Public Relations sector, and has thereby broadened her work experience to encompass prestigious organisations in the said fields. Not to mention that her versatility in communications has also come in very handy as she dealt with contrasting workloads and customer bases over time. Above and over these, Nishu takes pride in being mother to her daughter, Katie; she opens up on our cover story today.    


 

Tell us about yourself. Where did you start and how has the journey been so far?

Well my first job was as a news presenter at E! Fm and it was right after A/Ls. At the time it was more of a “let’s give this a try and see” kind of thing but eventually I grew to love it. When I was little I remember wanting to become everything from a pilot to a lawyer, but writing had always been part and parcel of my life. Being in the media allowed me to write a lot and it also opened many doors. But it was at MTV under the guidance of Chevaan Daniel that I really learnt everything I know today.

For a few years after that I changed careers and took up customer service and special projects with one of Sri Lanka’s fastest growing BPOs, MediGain. This is where I learnt the intricacies and challenges of managing people.

Public Relations on the other hand is something that I had never studied but was told that I might be good at (since I write and talk a lot!). So I technically took a leap of faith when I joined HardTalk last year. To say the very least and as clichéd as it sounds, I’ve finally found my place. With PR I get to do a lot of things that I love, ranging from writing to organising events and meeting new people every day. It’s challenging and can be strenuous but at the end of the day when you see your press releases published and an event successfully completed, the feeling is absolutely amazing. Media will always be in the background and it’s something I can’t really let go of. So when my best friend asked me to join Fox 91.4 part-time, I couldn’t say no either.

The journey of getting to where I am today wasn’t a walk in the park but I’ve had an amazing time and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

As for telling you about myself, I’m really pretty simple. Workaholic, hopeless romantic, a loyal friend, a bit eccentric at times, extremely emotional and ever willing to put my life on the line for the people and things I love!

Your interests encompass a wide range of fields, is there one that overrides the rest? How do you balance your time?

No matter which field I’ve worked in, writing has always been an integral part of it. So I guess writing for me overrides everything else that I’ve ever done or do now. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost my ability to pen down my thoughts. Honestly, I’m not very good with time management but with God’s grace I manage to do everything that I have to do. It’s not easy being a single parent but then again I manage. I guess being a bit of an insomniac also helps (I do not endorse it at all!) because that gives me a few more hours in a day. No matter what, I try and make time for things that are important to me.


What do you do to unwind?

Again, writing is a big part of my free time as well. There are collections of short stories and poems that crowd my computer at home. I’ve just started writing a personal memoir of something that is very close to my heart and who knows I might try to get this one published!

I’m also a huge movie, TV series and sports buff although I hardly find the time nowadays. I try to squeeze in a few episodes or a good movie now and then. But if there’s one thing I’ll never miss is a cricket match when Sri Lanka or South Africa is playing, a Springboks or Trinity Lions rugby game, local motor racing or the F1 season!

Watching my daughter Katie is also the easiest and best way to unwind. She has the craziest sense of humour and is so intelligent that she cracks me up and brightens my day. I also work closely with underprivileged children in several care centres and spending whatever time I can find with them completes my life.


Where have you found the greatest of your inspirations?

If you asked me the same question eight months ago, I wouldn’t have an answer. But today I can tell you without a doubt that it’s the 3 Cs in my life and an angel. The three Cs stand for Christ, Church and Children. I came to the edge of giving up a few months back and was literally saved when I decided to give my life to Christ. I also strongly believe that angels live amongst us and was blessed by an amazing person I met a few months back. He inspired faith, hope, new dreams and love in my life. Now I wake up every day inspired and motivated to live a life of grace because grace truly is enough!
 

Text by Nivedha Jeyaseelan