Melissa Grelo on diversity in the media: ‘no one looked like me’

Melissa Grelo didn’t know she wanted to be a journalist until she was 25, but once she found her place, it didn’t stop her.

As a child of immigrant parents, the presenter of “the Social” was encouraged to take academics seriously. Grelo made education her priority, and growing up she thought she would be a teacher.

However, after two degrees and several years in the workplace, she realized that it was not for her. Grelo had, what she described as, a “crisis of a quarter-life.”

“At the age of 25, I hit a wall. I wasn’t loving what I was doing and I didn’t feel excited about it, ” Grelo said Yahoo Canada.

“I did the unthinkable and left the lesson behind, dumped my loser boyfriend and figured out what makes me happy.”

When choosing her next adventure, Grelo looked at her youth. She had always been a news junkie, and after dinner, Grelo and her sister would read newspapers to their father.

Without realizing it, those family moments fueled her love for journalism.

Finding her place in the media

There was one thing she felt was preventing her from jumping into the news world — her ethnicity. Grelo is half Filipino.

“I’ve never seen anyone who at a distance looked like I was doing the news. So I thought it wasn’t a place for me,” Grelo admitted.

After some experience in the industry, and eventually seeing Asian journalists like Pauline Chan of CTV Neombs in powerful roles, Grelo found her stride.

While she is currently known for” the Social”,” CP24 Breakfast “and” ctv Your Morning”, Grelo makes sure she still advocates for representation in the media industry.

For him, it’s important to show the next generation that they can do anything they set their mind to.

“We underestimate the power of what we see on our screens or on the news. So if I go on TV and show another young man that it’s OK to be different, then I’ve done it with work and I’m happy,” the 46-year-old said.

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Health care, physical and mental

Career aside, what makes Grelo happy is the movement of her body.

The mother of a child is constantly posting inspirational workout videos and fitness motivation on her Instagram page, which receives a hundred comments from fans who love her content.

Grelo became serious about working when she moved out of her family home. She realized she had a responsibility to take care of her health, and proper nutrition and weekly exercise became a priority.

While her fitness routine has changed over the years, Grelo currently hits the gym three times a week — max. It lifts lighter weights for higher reps in a circuit training style.

“People think you should be slaving in the gym seven days a week and you don’t. Especially for menopausal women like me, a little weight training per week can help with bone health and osteoporosis,” Grelo explained.

“But too much time in the gym can just be torture. Go out and enjoy your life. Getting in the sun and drinking enough water can be just as important as breaking sweat sometimes.”

However, Grelo is not an expert in fitness and nutrition and would advise people to consult a doctor about proper exercise routines.

In addition to weight training, Grelo likes to walk 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day and practice yoga or meditation for her mental health.

Like many people in the midst of the pandemic, Grelo’s mental health suffered. She experienced anxiety and panic attacks, which forced her to reflect on her body and mind.

“It was a really difficult time for a lot of people. But COVID, as scary as it is, made me realize that health and well-being are so important, so there’s a silver lining. I always tell people that taking care of themselves mentally and physically must be a priority,” Grelo said.

While it may take time, Grelo encouraged everyone to find a balance between diet, movement, and mindfulness.

Connecting with family and friends and finding a hobby you’re passionate about are other life tips Grelo swears by.

When it comes to tips for living your best, healthiest life, Grelo’s advice is to listen to your heart.

“If the gym is too scary, try going outside for a walk or doing some exercise in your living room. Small baby steps made over time can add to great achievements,” she revealed.

While the TV presenter isn’t a doctor, she advises paying attention to the things you’re putting into your body — on a variety of fronts.

“If you eat well, you will feel more energized. If you surround yourself with good people, your heart will feel fuller,” she noted.

“If you read or listen to inspirational concepts or news, your brain will stay sharp and happy. If you move your body, you will not have as much stiffness and pain. … Always think of your body as a temple to be preserved and maintained.”

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