Jacinta Tynan

Name: Jacinta Tynan
Age: 38
Occupation: News Presenter / Author / Columnist

Jacinta claims she has always been passionate about other people's stories and why we are the way we are which is why she was attracted to journalism in the first place. Her two books, although quite different, are also both made up of people's real stories. She says that she is particularly passionate about teenage girls and helping them realise their potential which is why she is Patron of SISTER2Sister and compiled the book, 'Some Girls Do: My Life as a Teenager'.

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
Apart from a few teachers who I looked up to, I didn't really have any role models, which is why I am so interested in doing what I can to be a role model to teenage girls today.

How did your role model/s help you?
I don't recall ever feeling like I had anyone to look up to when I was a teenager, no-one that I knew personally anyway. My mother was a great example in terms of teaching us to do the 'right' thing and be good to others. But I didn't have access to any women who were doing what I would have liked to do with my life.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
Role models are sometimes most effective simply by listening. There are some girls in the SISTER2Sister program who've never had anyone pay them attention or focus on them. On another level, they can be a great sounding board because when you reach a certain age, you can be pretty sure the person has been through some hardship and self analysis. We all have something to pass on from how to handle relationships (in love, work and family) to how to make the most out of their talents and opportunities. The best role models encourage others to be their best selves and realise their unique offerings.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
My parents fought a lot so I was often embarrassed to invite friends over in case that flared up. Every day I would pray there'd be no shouting in the house. I felt there was no one to talk to because what was going on at home was supposed to be a big secret. I am one of six children which definitely had its advantages growing up but the downside was it was sometimes hard to get recognised and I wondered if anyone cared. I didn't really know where I fitted in with friends as I never felt part of any gang or group at school. I felt trapped and powerless and I was anxious about what to do with my future knowing I wanted it to be exciting and to make a difference. My long term boyfriend was killed when I was 19 so that threw my world completely.

How did you overcome these issues?
I used to study hard and write stories because it was a great distraction but also I saw it as my ticket out. I became the School Captain in Year 12 which helped me focus on the bigger picture and get experience in leadership and public speaking. My boyfriend was my best friend and someone I could really trust so I spoke to him a lot and he reminded me constantly that I was a good person and deserved good things. It absolutely crushed me when he died.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
I couldn't wait for my teenage years to finish so I could start my life.

What qualities do you think you possess that have helped you succeed in your chosen field?
Drive, focus, empathy, being able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, noticing opportunities in unobvious places, and getting on well with people.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
My friendships, my work with SISTER2Sister, my beautiful nephews and nieces, and that I have grown enormously as a person and am constantly evolving.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
I am Patron of SISTER2Sister and was a 'Big Sister' mentor in 2006. My second book, Some Girls Do: My Life as a Teenager is an anthology of top female writers telling the true story of their adolescence with royalties donated to S2S.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
Don't let anyone else tell you how it should be done. Everyone has their own unique offerings and if you listen to your heart, you'll know what path to take.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Always striving to improve as a person and looking for where I can make a difference in other people's lives. Even the mildest gesture can create a shift for someone else. It's also important to find time for joy, but I don't do that enough.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
I have learnt a lot and grown emotionally over the years. I've made mistakes and always try to learn from them, and I am learning to like myself. I have seen the effects of working towards a goal and seeing it come to fruition. I would have loved to have had a role model when I was a teenager and know it would have benefited me enormously which is why I want to be that for someone else.