The author was born in Forest Gate, East London. She was raised by beautiful and loving parents.Her parents were traditional West Indians who savoured their values, exercising good manners and order in the house, worked hard and maintained strong relations with their extended families with whom they were closely bonded.The author attended a comprehensive inner-city school where diversity was embraced, elders were respected and students had double portions of jam roly polly for lunch.She understood the value of education from young and to have respect for others, a gift given to her by her parents. She grew up in a melting pot of different racial and cultural expressions. You greeted your neighbour and had a strong sense of community.She qualified as a social worker for children and families within the social welfare arena since 1996 and remains active in supporting her local community.