Q and A with Star News journalist Eleanor Wilson

Eleanor Wilson on a trip to Japan.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’m left handed. If you ever meet me in person you’ll probably notice a semi-permanent line of ink on the side of my hand from the pen smudging as I write.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about good coffee. I drink too much of it not to be.

What do you love about journalism?

I love the fact that I spend each day meeting new people and being trusted to share their stories. No day is ever the same and I am always learning new things.

Who is one person you would love to interview one day?

I would love to interview investigative journalist Nick McKenzie. I’m inspired by the fearlessness and tenacity with which he approaches his work.

What would your last meal be?

It will come as no surprise to my family and friends that my last meal would be lasagne. It’s always been my favourite and is my go-to after a long week.

What was your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment is spending the school holidays staying at my grandparent’s house in Parkdale. I have very fond memories playing and laughing with my sister and cousin in their backyard pool, and as we all age it has become a memory I really treasure.

What was your favourite subject in school?

I inherited a love for history from my father, so history class was always my favourite. I find it fascinating to learn about how the world functioned throughout the ages.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

I’d love to be a fly on the wall at Versailles during the fall of the French Monarchy; partially to witness the event, and partially to admire the clothing.

Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Mao Zedong, Malala Yousafzai, documentary film director Jon Alpert, journalist Leigh Sales, Confucius and Patrizia Reggiani (former wife and murderer of Maurizio Gucci). It’s safe to say it would be an interesting night.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I’m currently reading The Body Keeps the Score – Brain, Mind and the Body in the Transformation of Trauma, by psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk. I find it really interesting that our upbringings have such a profound impact on our brain chemistry, so I was delighted when my friend bought me the book for Christmas.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

I would describe my fashion sense as classic and comfortable. You’ll most likely me catch me in flowy wide leg pants and oversized blazers.

Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

I’ve lived in an apartment for my entire life so pets were always generally off the cards, until my sister begged my parents for a cat when I was 14. She’s very fluffy and – like most cats – is quite aloof until it comes to dinner time.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

I feel like gnocchi is always a crowd-pleaser. I grew up making gnocchi with my dad on the weekends and it always brings up wonderful memories for me.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

It’s so hard to choose one! But I think I would have to say Cuba. I find the historical significance of the country fascinating and would love to experience the culture too.

What were you like as a kid?

As a kid I was quite shy and delicate, often hiding behind my mum at social events. I like to think I have come a long way since then.

What is your favourite colour and why?

My favourite colour is probably pink. As a kid it was always purple (in an attempt to stand out from the crowd I guess), but over the years I have slowly found myself appreciating a light, baby pink. It’s just the most aesthetically appealing to me.

Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?

I’d definitely call myself an introvert. While I like meeting new people, at the end of the day I always find myself needing some alone time to recharge my social battery.

What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?

Why are tennis points structured the way they are? Why love, 15, 30, 40, game and not 15, 30, 45? It doesn’t make logical sense to me.