Sonia Vinci | Self-confidence | TV newsreading or kids?

Thanks to Channel 9 for the photoThe workload of a TV newsreader is immense and so is the stress of being in the public eye. How did this Channel 9 newsreader cope with having 3 children as well as being in the limelight?

I am a former Channel Nine TV newsreader, and mother of three children, Jack 6, Harry 5 and Nina 2 and a half. My nearest city is Perth in Western Australia and I am 37 years old. (My name is Sonia Bennett, nee Vinci).

I was at GWN before Channel Nine and first read the news for a commercial radio station, 6PR when I was 18. 

I joined Channel Nine in 2000 and started reading the nightly news two-and-a-half years later. I left in 2008.

I decided to become a stay-at-home mother. I wanted to spend more time with the kids.

I have recently become a media champion for mental health to help raise awareness of mental illness and reduce the stigma associated with it in the community.

The effects of mental illness can touch us all. My friend, Charmaine Dragun, Channel Ten journalist, took her own life in 2007.

I am of Italian descent.

I have overcome a loss of confidence by continually grounding myself. I do this by spending quality time with the people I love, my husband, children and extended family.

Working in the media has many privileges, but it can also make you very self-conscious because you are constantly open to criticism. Being around my family during those times helped me greatly, because they all love me unconditionally and are always very honest, especially the kids.

Going back to the simple life and concentrating on being a good mum and wife has been a great confidence builder for me as has knowing that all my good friends are there because of who I am and not because of what I do.

Keeping fit and healthy is also a great confidence builder, something I have more time to do now that I am no longer working full time.

Being confident has meant that I am better at everything I do and a lot happier in my own skin. I no longer feel I have to impress people and as a consequence I am a lot more relaxed in everyday life, which rubs off on the people around me.

 




Comments

[Rachel Green]

What brave decision to be with the children and give up a job that many would dream of having. I admire you for it and think it is fantastic. We only have one chance to be with our kids as they grow.

Thanks so much for being a woman who is willing to share her self-confidence with others.
Keep on blossoming with self-confidence.
Rachel.