While Hayley is away on maternity leave, Abi Ray will be filling in – keeping tabs on what’s happening in the Upper Highway community. We get the low-down on what makes Abi tick…
“I am a radio presenter turned swimming teacher! And I consider myself extremely blessed to have worked the dream job on radio, and then being able to pursue one of my other loves, swimming!
When I was in radio people always asked me what I’d be doing if I wasn’t on radio, and my answer was always, “teaching children”. To have merged my love for swimming and my desire to teach little ones, is such a great blessing.
Radio is never far from my mind, though. The creativity within the industry and the vibrancy of such a dynamic world is something that I’ll hold dear for a very long time! I started work in radio in 2004, and got to meet such incredible people, experienced life at full force with MC’ing and voiceovers and everything else that came along with it and, of course, really tried to make a difference in my community using the platform available to me.
I was nominated in 2011 as an MTN Y’ello Rose, along with nine other ladies in radio who had made an impact in South African society through their careers behind the microphone. Being recognised by the Durban Youth Council as Phenomenal Woman of The Year 2012 was a real pleasure as well, knowing that I was making a difference to our youth.
Little Fish Swim School welcomed its first children in October 2014. I teach kids aged from about three to seven years old. A little later this year, I’ll be introducing baby classes as well. Being around children so much is making my life feel lighter – they are so entertaining and there’s never a dull moment when they are around, never mind their deep longing to learn. It’s fantastic.
I moved to the Upper Highway in 2010 when the only place that would accept my dogs was in Kloof! Having grown up in Joburg and lived in Toti for a few years prior, I had no idea how stunning and homely the Upper Highway was. Now, I’ll never leave!
Our ‘hood is the perfect place to live: just high enough to escape the humidity and allow us to actually feel winter, and just far enough to allow for the “country feel”, out of the crazy hustle and bustle of the city.
I’ve been given the opportunity to do so many wonderful things in my life, and taking on this position as guest editor of The Crest magazine is yet another super opportunity for wonder! I’m looking forward to delving even deeper into my community and learning all about the print media world. Another one checked off the bucket list!”
Welcome to the team, Abi. We can’t wait to have you on board! Look out for Abi’s contribution to The Crest between May and August 2015.
1 Comment
A lovely article about a lovely lady. She’s a true professional and I wish her all the best on this new (although somewhat short) phase of her life.