Growing up with mentally ill parents created an unpredictable childhood that forged exceptional resilience and determination. This journey from housing commission to success demonstrates how adversity, with the right mindset and support, can transform limitations into stepping stones for achievement.
• Both parents diagnosed with schizophrenic, though father managed his condition effectively while maintaining full-time employment
• Father's unwavering commitment—visiting daily even after separation—provided a powerful model of responsibility
• Moving out at 15 after Child Protective Services intervened when mother was hospitalized
• Sister delivered crucial tough love message: "You can either fix it and move on or be the victim forever"
• Childhood hardships developed extraordinary resilience that translated into professional work ethic
• Finding community through unexpected sources like netball provided connection with positive people
• Learning that seeing someone else's success can create belief in your own potential
If you never try, you will never know