Life experiences mould you into who you are, be them nasty or nice, and the road you travel has its unexpected dramas, twists and turns, and can be utterly exhausting at times. I can't change the opportunities missed or lost through insufficient backing or lack of encouragement, but am grateful I never gave up on me. I have been subjected to bullying throughout my entire life from a young age until present, deemed fat and sensitive, stupid and thick, with depression and anxiety that visits every so often. As a child I sat at the back of the classroom, mainly being ignored by most if I wasn't being teased or laughed at by others. However, this is where I looked out of the window, being allowed to daydream, where I was left alone and felt my happiest and safest. I was always slow to grasp academia, struggled to keep up or stay focused and always missed play because I had to correct my spellings. It was in the 70s and there wasn't the extensive testing back then as there is today to find answers to questions asked. But now I am an independent, strong woman who has overcome so many challenges and achieved so many things I thought I would never have the courage to even start, which has made me scared of nothing and openminded to embrace everything that has been thrown at me. Writing is my escapism and I've never published a book until now. I'm surrounded by precious people who love me and want the best for me, I wouldn't change any of it for the world. Never give up hope and never give up on yourself.