I was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa, and spent my early childhood life there, before moving to England during my teens. It was my grandmother who raised me for the majority of my childhood, and she acted as my first female role model. In a time where little girls were expected to be meek and demure, my natural curiosity was typically perceived as impertinence. I was often labelled as a “difficult” child. However, instead of chastising me, my grandmother nurtured the inquisitive child in her care and made me feel safe, secure, loved, and confident enough to embrace the best parts of myself and stride towards my dreams. She challenged traditions and encouraged me to develop my own voice, and not let cultural barriers stand in my way. These values carried me through the various milestones and challenges I would experience later in my life.