Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have always had a soft spot for dogs. When I was a kid, I found two stray dogs, I had seen them on and off, wondering my street for two weeks, they were malnourished and appeared unkempt with matted fur. They came up to me a few times and then walked with me to an abandoned back yard, they stayed there for two days, feeding them my own dog’s dog food, until my mum caught me and helped me contact the pound to help find their home, poor babies were dumped. I was too young to understand and just wanted to make sure they had food and shelter. My heart was in the right place, I was seven! I like to rescue animals and have had a few foster dogs in my time. From time to time I volunteer for Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Group and they are amazing rescue with rehoming hundreds of Bulldogs, from French Bulldogs, to British Bulldogs and the big softy, American Bulldogs, they help so many unwanted pooches.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love working with students, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves and help them with the journey through school. My previous role I was involved in was Disability Inclusion support and loved working with a variety of students, helping them to push their limits and meet their potential. My role as the Cultural Diversity Coordinator is new and I get to meet a lot of different people in the community, I am a very social person and enjoy making connections. I am privileged in working towards fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. I can create initiatives, programs and help build policies that celebrate and embrace individual from varied backgrounds. Engaging with diverse cultures exposes new perspectives, traditions, and ideas. Each day brings the opportunity to expand my knowledge, challenge my assumptions and broaden understanding. The opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and contribute to building a more inclusive society, which can be incredibly fulfilling.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
If I were an animal, I would be a meerkat! Meerkats are known for their social qualities and are the most social animals in the world. Meerkats are compassionate and graceful while showing kindness, a meerkat would give their lives to their friends or family. My nature of helping anyone I come across resonates well with the nature of a meerkat.
What would your last meal be?
My last meal would be Chinese, a large bucket of honey chicken with special fried rice, yum!
What was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment is becoming a mother, I was young, but my heart was full, only 20 when I welcomed my beautiful daughter. Then finding out I was going to be a mum to a rainbow baby after a miscarriage, thinking my odds were against me, having my son 5 years later was so indescribable. As I witnessed their first breaths and held them in my arms for the very first time, an overwhelming wave of love flowed over me. It was as if time stood still, and the world faded away. I was mesmerised by the sheer perfection of these tiny beings that my husband and I eagerly waited for. Those moments are cherished forever.
What were you like as a kid?
I was strong and independent go-getter. I was very compassionate towards others, especially the underdog. I was adventurous and would head out early in the morning on my bike and hang out at the local stream, then would make sure I had to be home before the streetlights came on. A child of the 90’s is so different to a child of today!
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would go back to my wedding and take one last look at my loved ones that have since passed, they are so dearly missed. To others who are no longer in my life, I am thankful that that time flows and life takes its course, certain people may naturally fade from our lives and surprisingly this can be quite liberating. While we once shared wonderful moments, circumstances change and so do we. The departure of those people brings a sense of relief as I embraced freedom to explore a new path fresh experience. A weight was lifted to allow focus on personal growth and surround myself with people who align more closely with me. People come and go all the time, but the ones that are true value you keep around and keep them close to your heart. Just like that saying, “friends are like stars, they come and go but the ones that stay are the ones that glow”. Marrying my husband was one of the best days of my life. My deepest admiration and gratitude for the incredible person that my husband is. From the begging he was my life anchor, providing unwavering love, support and companionship that fills my heart with love and joy.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
At my dinner table I would have James Dean, Nostradamus, my mum, Ed Sheeran, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. Now the last 2 would be a very interesting conversation to be a part of!
What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?
I am currently watching Justified, The Clearing and The Ranch. A good old Drama, with a mix of true crime, whilst throwing in a good laugh! Keeping it mixed up!
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Empathetic, compassionate and strong. Apparently I bounce back quickly, I worry about them more than myself and would give them my last dollar or clothing off my back.
Where is your happy place?
Anywhere my family is, I would be lost without my children and husband! We are adventurous and love to travel together.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
I would be stuck as I can’t cook! So, I would make a charcuterie board and pour some wine!
Where is your dream holiday destination?
America, I was lucky to go there as a child with a school trip, would love to experience this place as an adult! Take my kids to the places I went at their age and see how different it is.
