For many years, Vanja Semić has been a trademark of Sarajevo Television. Smiling, witty and always in a good mood are the characteristics that adorn her, and for 20 years now viewers in front of small screens know her like this. When asked how she started journalism and whether it was her wish from a young age, Vanja said that it was not so, and that everything happened spontaneously.
-My story begins with establishment of Sarajevo Television in 1998 and a job opening announcement for journalists, presenters and other staff. More than a hundred people auditioned ten of us got the job. There were also Nikolina Veljović, Džemal Šabić, Aldin Arnautović … We learned, worked, developed, attended various schools every day and with support of our older colleagues learned about all segments of television journalism. I loved journalism and it became a significant part of me because journalism is not a profession but a way of life. I am also a mother, which is the first role of importance in my life – emphasizes Vanja.
Her struggle
She started her career in the news program, but quickly realized that she could not express all the creativity that adorns her by simply diong news.
-Now, we can notice that the colleagues in the informative section are extremely creative. I needed a little more space, so I started a show called 071 as the then Sarajevo area code. Here we covered topics related to the nightlife of the city, art, culture, rock music … So I found myself in the editorial office of the magazine program where I am today. What characterizes me as a journalist is the live program. I do the morning program, the news reports, the Dobre vibracije show … That’s what I love – she says.
Although journalism is extremely arduous and stressful work, Vanja says that because of her adrenaline rush, she often shortened her vacations and returned to work. Still, one ugly thing made her change her lifestyle.
-Two and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I figured I work like this anymore. I had to go back to myself and therefore to nature. This is something that must be the focus of every human being. After such a diagnosis, I realized that I needed to “hold my horses” and devote myself solely to myself. The cancer story is a difficult and ugly story, but in my case it is a success story – she points out.
Despite numerous duties on television, she very gladly agreed to pose for the cover of Visit B&H Magazine, and we did photo shooting on the fairytale spring of Paljanska Miljacka, which forms the Miljacka River with Mokranjska Miljacka. A great lover of nature herself, Vanja says that we are all witnessing more and more people going to the mountains, enjoying nature, trying to eat healthier food, running, exercising…
Natural Beauty
-This is an extremely good thing, because this only can restore our balance in life, put off stress, and help us more easily dedicate ourselves to life’s successes. In addition to nature, I also do Pilates, which is an additional form of recreation, and I love to walk, and often I walk for ten kilometers every day – says Vanja.
She points out that she uses every opportunity to leave Sarajevo and get to know all the beauties of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are, she said, were unfairly neglected.
-We all prefer to go beyond the borders of our country. However, there are many tourist destinations and natural beauties in BiH where everyone can find something for himself or herself. Recently, I was at Blidinje Nature Park located near Jablanica. How many times have we all gone through Jablanica and rarely do we turn towards Blidinje. There you really have something to see and enjoy – she points out.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Vanja says she didn’t even realize what the problem was until she found out she had this vicious disease.
Breast cancer doesn’t necessarily mean the end. Medicine is so advanced and there is indeed a large percentage of women who are cured. Early detection and how we accept diagnosis are paramount to this fight – she says.
