I had a tough time at school. Despite being academically strong, I was constantly in trouble for talking, not paying attention and being 'naughty' and disruptive. I was physically and verbally abused on a number of occasions at school; I was once hospitalised when a teacher threw a cricket ball at my nose, I was hit around the head, cornered alone by two very aggressive teachers and told my prospects were bleak - that I would end up in prison and amount to nothing. The mental impact of these experiences stayed with me for many years and held me back. In 2022, aged 40 I was diagnosed with ADHD and so much made sense. I now work with young people who don't fit the school mould to prevent them from following the statistics, to build their self-confidence, to listen to their interests and to help them focus on their aspirations.