Triumphs of a Little Girl

The memoir chronicles Ingrid's journey through childhood, and as she transitioned into adulthood. It describes memories of her childhood, and her efforts to make it out of the ghetto while living with her grandmother. Much emphasis was not made on her life as an adult. She just wanted the reader to see the end result of her childhood preparation and struggles, for what she thought would be a blissful adulthood. Nothing was given to her freely. She earned everything.  She struggled with her identity formation, childhood friendships, adult mixed messages, understanding cultural norms, dealing with a dysfunctional family, and fighting physically to keep her dignity as a young woman. She struggled immensely as a child while trying to assume adult responsibilities coupled with the desire to get an education so that she may get out of the ghetto.

           Her quest for success and desire for a different life has taken her to worlds unknown. During her travels she met the most amazing people. From the interior and country side to the Capital of Guyana, to the Caribbean, then to North America and the Middle East. It has been a life full of mountains, hills, valleys and highways, but, altogether an amazing journey. One in which she celebrates with much gratitude to God and the many kind strangers whom she met along the way, who took the time to pause and gave her a helping hand.

           While the circumstances of her birth and life as a child did not make waves for her success, her childhood dreams of imaginary places that she read about in books and living a successful life came through. Ingrid found that the pillars of hard work, strategizing, focusing, determination and perseverance were some important keys to her success. She brought this forward into her adult life and found this principle to be a valuable asset. In other words, she always had a game plan when she was ready to ask for help. She is sharing her childhood struggles in hopes that everyone can see that, "anything is possible if you try." And to encourage the reader to "never give up until you achieve your goal."

           She always strove to learn whenever the opportunity presented itself. She strategized and planned for her own future success. As a child, she realized that at the end of the day, it was her life. What happened to her life depended on her. Her hope is to encourage every little girl or boy out there who is struggling with the many pebbles or what may seem like gigantic rocks and obstacles in their lives not to place blame for their circumstances, but to accept responsibility for their own lives.

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