This is an autobiographical outlook at my personal achievements. The people who had a huge influence in making me the women that I have become today. The many who influenced my career and the path that I have chosen. It is also a reflection of my strengths and weaknesses. I have divided this biography into the following: childhood, adolescence, my first experience in the world of work, building my career as a trainer in the IT field, learning about industry as a freelance trainer, and rethinking my career. Childhood “There is no such thing as a ‘self-made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success” George Matthew Adams Being the youngest of three siblings I ended up living alone with my father from an early age. I remember my mother taking me to pre- school on my first day, but sadly my parents divorced and soon after my mother was no longer a part of my everyday life. My father was an Accounts inspector and worked for a very reputable furniture company at the time. Although he was a collar and tie guy, he was a very hands – on person. He was also extremely good at appraising people especially me. Some mornings before school he would have me make some entries on his work documents example; entering dates and together we would add up numbers and I would enter the totals. This made me a confident little girl who developed a love for numbers and puzzles. I remember when he would do little jobs I was always his assistant, from hanging doors, to painting, to even fixing his car he always had me around learning. Looking back I realize not only did he groom me for the business world, but for life in general. He was extremely strict but a loving and devoted father. The disadvantages of growing up without my other siblings taught me to be a loner and independent. Adolescence “Know thyself." - Chilo (BC 560) My high school years came and went within the blink of an eye. When I was thirteen life decided to throw me a curveball. My Father decided to remarry and I was shipped off to live with my mother and three other siblings ages 27, 19and 16 .This was an terrifying experience to say the least, however the advantage of living with my mother was that she taught me marketing at an early age. Weekends starting Friday afternoons I would go door to door selling spices and toddlers garments. I would also scrub, wash and polish neighbor’s floors and do other house hold duties for pocket money. She always said nothing in life is free. My mother was an excellent cook and you don’t need to look very far to know where I got my culinary skills from. And I’m sure my beloved mother tried her best to make me happy , and to fill that emptiness I felt inside of me. However at the age of fifteen all that hurt, confusion and anger was extremely overwhelming and led me to run away from home. I quickly learned that life was no bed of roses and being on my own and at the mercy of other people was not the life I had pictured for myself. Running away was not going to make it better. My father was the centre of my universe and even though I loved my mother, my father and I shared a much deeper bond. At the age of sixteen I returned home. I can still hear my father saying to me: Do you want to end your life at the age of eighteen? Whatever happened to I want to see the world? When all my friends were just starting to enjoy their lives, I fell pregnant with my eldest d