Despite not coming from a well-off family, I had the privilege of growing up on the banks of a magnificent river, surrounded by farmlands, animals and nature.

From a young age I loved to perform, and if there was a stage, or anything that looked like one, that is where you would find me. Weekends would be spent water skiing, tubing, going down the rapids on the river, riding my bike, horse riding or going from one dance performance or Eisteddfod to the next. My voice was larger and louder than life, public speaking was as normal as breathing, and the microphone normally had to be turned lower. I would paint murals at under privileged schools, participate in every single sport offered in primary school with the exception of aerobics, you would instead find me on the cricket pitch with the boys. I was a strong swimmer as I basically learned to swim in the streams of the river.

My dad raised us to use power tools, change tyres and electrical plugs, drive a tractor, cut grass, shoot a firearm (which I became really good at), while at the same time being able to tap dance like Michael Flatley.

From the outside my life was privileged , my life was perfect!!!