Rewarding work

AFTER spending a year studying towards a science degree, Eastern Province Child and Youth Care Centre programme manager Travis Marshall, 32, was inspired to switch courses after a life-changing lecture by a male social worker at NMMU.

Male social workers are as rare as hen's teeth but Travis enjoys working in a female- dominated environment and would not change a thing.

Travis took time out of his busy schedule to have lunch at Yiayias in Stanley Street. He had the Mediterranean dish moussaka (R75).

I like Yiayias because ... I love Greek food.

The best thing about my career is ... There is never a dull moment at the centre and working with youth forces a person to be creative in approaches to dealing with problems. It's also very rewarding.

I'll know I've made it when ... I finally catch up with my filing!

The person who has taught me the most is ... God has blessed me with wonderful parents that have always stood by me and encouraged me to do my best.

I have a soft spot for ... I love children and will go out of my way to help them. I believe that the most rewarding thing a person can do is mentor a young person.

I should have studied ... I think I got it right when I chose social work but sometimes I think I should have studied law or medicine because both degrees would be useful in my career.

I'd love to party with ... Terry Pratchett. His writing is incredibly insightful and humorous.

I'm reading ... Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A Heinlein and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

When I was 16, I wish I knew ... That everything does not have to be perfect and you don't have to know everything to succeed.

My music weakness is ... '60s and '70s rock.

Nothing makes me happier than ... Spending time with family and friends, particularly if there is a board game involved.

My favourite item of clothing is ... An old jersey that I wear around the house.

I absolutely hate ... Traffic.

I am saving to buy ... A house.

I share my life with ... God, family and friends.

I can't go a day without ... Bread! It's my kryptonite.

My favourite places in the metro are ... I love the restaurants and vibe of the Richmond Hill area. I am also a fan of the beautiful parks and beaches that the city has to offer.