18

Poor A-level grades, scrape into university to study creative writing at 18. Drop out at the end of first year due to personal issues.

19-23

I do several unpaid journalism internships and manage to get some of my writing published. Also work in an assortment of jobs - from retail and call centre work, to recruitment and administration.

23

Pregnant.

24

Give birth as a single parent to the most beautiful boy in the world, J.

25-29

Freelance copywriting. Eventually take a full-time role as an administrator, processing application forms and writing correspondence. I leave this role when J begins school to do an Access to Higher Education course at an adult learning college.

29-33

Complete course. Get a place at university to study sociology. Over the next three years, I commute from South East London to campus in Guildford, Surrey, a 3-hour round-trip, for classes. My parents help with school runs. Friends have J for the day during weekends and holidays when deadlines loom.

33

Thanks to the support of my parents and friends, I complete the degree. Graduate with first class degree and two awards as departmental valedictorian. Awarded a full master’s scholarship at an elite institution.

34

Feel uncomfortable and unconfident in the elite academic space and, relatedly, fail an exam on the masters. Get a short-term role on a research project at Open University.

35

Complete master’s in social research methods, after re-sitting and passing the previously failed exam. Awarded PhD Scholarship. Begin PhD research.

36

J begins secondary school.

36-38

PhD research and teaching - a big challenge given my historic fear of public speaking. I come to enjoy it with repetition and practice. Wrestle with imposter syndrome and worry if, as a black woman in England, I will be allowed to carve out an academic career and if, as a single parent, I should have chosen a more fail-safe path. Complete and send out a book proposal about my research to literary agents – while there is some interest, it is ultimately unsuccessful.

38

My PhD is examined. My project and approach are praised, but I am asked to make amendments to my dissertation, known in academia as ‘major corrections.’ I do a short-term role on a research project at University of Cambridge. Am awarded grant money to publicise my research and get my first academic job, a three-year research role on an international project.

39

Begin new job. Publish the pamphlet, Beyond the Myth, which challenges myths about single black motherhood. At 15, my son J is an excellent baker, a gamer, a reader, a drummer and an aspiring psychologist.