The year is getting better and better for Rachel Killington who is aiming to build a career in local radio. Christmas already? Everywhere you turn there are sparkly fairy lights, selection boxes and 10ft tall inflatable Santas. Despite the risk of sounding old before my time, I must say I simply cannot believe just how quickly the days have become weeks that have gradually and stealthily been substituted by months. And as my youth progressively ebbs away and I creep towards being another year older, I have decided to take time to reflect.
The past few weeks have been amazing, and my feet have barely touched the ground. I have achieved an ambition I never thought possible- playing the part of Nancy in Oliver! in a professional theatre, in front of hundreds of people. It’s a role I’ve wanted since the age of 13, when I did my first stage production at high school, and it was far more amazing than I’d thought possible. Although realistically I got the part by default (I was asked to take over from the original actress just 24 hours before the show opened!), it was an incredible experience, and one I’ll never forget, particularly as when I was overlooked for the original casting I had resigned myself to the fact that maybe this was one ambition I’d simply have to let go. Results of workWork wise things are looking rosy too - although I realise I have an awfully long way to go until I reach my career goals, I know I have a lot to be proud of. I am far more confident in myself and my abilities at the radio station than I ever have been, and am continually striving to ensure my work is as good as it can be. And I guess I must be doing something right, because I’m starting to see very positive results. I have been solely entrusted to execute our regular Saturday morning live feature ‘Surprise a Bride’, and I love every minute of it (even though it means I can no longer go out on a Friday night. Ever.) At the station I finally feel I am part of a team - that I ‘belong’, and I no longer worry about comparison with others. I’ve realised that every person on the team at the radio station has particular qualities and strengths that set them aside, and I find criticism is often beneficial, now that I’ve learned not to take things personally. I am so grateful that I’m being given the chance to learn all I can and develop my career, and I realise a lot of trust has been placed in me and my abilities. All in a day’s workChristmas Day itself promises to be particularly exciting for me. Whilst the majority of the country will be tucking into turkey and mince pies before settling down for an (often alcohol induced) snooze whilst the Queen delivers her annual speech, I will be working at the radio station. Although working on Christmas Day would make most people recoil in horror, for me it really is the best Christmas present I could have hoped for. (Apart from a big diamond ring, obviously.) I will be contributing on-air with the regular presenter for 90 minutes, reading the texts, emails and phone requests, and joining in with the festive banter. My Programme Controller has assured me that it should be viewed as being ‘a bit of fun’, but for me it is the most exciting opportunity I’ve had in a long while, and I intend to make the most of it. My yearSo - 2006. What a mad year. So much has happened, most of it pretty amazing. I’ve been in three stage productions, played the recorder, sang and done Mr T impressions live on-air, and had over 500 listeners sing to me on my birthday (which was extremely embarrassing!). I ran Race For Life, went on two holidays, met my heroes Westlife, and went ice skating for the first time. I’ve also taken dozens of children on Cool Rides To School, delivered hundreds of donuts and probably scared the life out of all the brides I’ve surprised on their wedding days! And I’ve loved every minute of it. So bring on Christmas and New Year, because I can’t wait. Deck the halls, trim those trees and take a cup of kindness yet for Auld Lang Syne. 2006 has been a rollercoaster of a year, and I can’t wait for the next one to arrive. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See Rachel's previous job logs: | 
