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How come I’ve experienced these things? For a long time I battled with advice being given to me to learn Braille, learn how to use a white cane, have a career in switchboard telephony, basketweaving or computer programming. I strongly believed I had a lot more to give in life and that life had a lot more to offer me despite my sight and hearing impairments. My inspiration to do this came from my father. He always said “Dare to be different – people will always remember you for that”. This advice was given to me for the purpose of job interviews. However, my dear father did not realise the extremes I would take this advice to. I can remember quite clearly when I quoted his advice as justification to do a parachute jump. My father held his hands to his face, in exasperating regret!

So to be different, I decided to pursue a degree in psychology. My motivation to do this was mainly to compliment my work in the public service recruitment sector, where I worked for five years. But as time went on, I realised that it was time to look at new pastures – to work with something I truly enjoy but in an environment that was conducive to my life. I now work from home as a coaching psychologist, so I do not have to worry about travelling with my faulty eyes! I suffer from visual tiredness so I only work the hours that suit me best. Above all, I’m working with people who want to improve their lives – and it is such rewarding work. I have achieved so much in the past through my charity work – with television and radio interviews, giving public talks to many audiences, including British royalty!! I achieved the Presidents Gold Award, a degree in honours psychology and now I’m currently studying for a Masters Degree in Oxford Brookes University. All these achievements make me feel great AND NORMAL.