The story chronicles the life experiences of a young girl named Trisha. Trisha encountered various struggles as she grew up in a home with her single mother, who had a live-in boyfriend, along with her two younger siblings. As if living in a home without love and attention from her mother wasn't enough, abuse from her mom's live-in boyfriend was heaped on her. Trisha was also taunted in school by her peers. As she got older, the relationship between Trisha and her mother took a turn for the better as her mom finally took a stand to protect her when she revealed years of molestation by her mother's boyfriend.She recognized her strengths and began to do whatever it took to pursue her dream to go to college. Trisha stumbled along the way in her pursuit to achieve this goal. She not only went on to fulfill her college dream, but she also showed her tenacity as she took her younger siblings along to rear them in an enhanced and loving environment as opposed to the one they left behind.
About the Author: Neketa Y. S. Knowles was born on September 15, 1976 in New Providence, Bahamas. She is the third of six children coming from a single parent home and knows all too well the sacrifices that have to made when pursuing one's dream. Neketa earned a full athletic scholarship and was the first of her siblings to attend university. She is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, a masters' degree in Business Administration, and a minor in Physical Education. Neketa attributes her success to her teachers and coaches who pushed her to realize her dreams and aspirations. She also acknowledges her mother, who worked tirelessly to ensure that she and her siblings grew up with proper values and morals.As a top Bahamian athlete, Neketa has had many opportunities to compete, travel, and interact with people from all over the world. Some of her most memorable trips were to places such as Martinique, Trinidad, New Mexico, and California. She is a national champion in the 400m, and 100m hurdles, a bronze medalist in the 400m hurdles at the 1992 Carifta Games, in Trinidad. She is also a two-time collegiate All-American Athlete, and on many occasions, a high school and collegiate record holder. Neketa is a veteran educator, who not only brings with her years of experience, but also the willingness to promote change. She desires to help the young and old alike attain their goals through hard work and diligence. Additionally, she is a mentor who encourages her protégés to strive for excellence, to persist when confronted by failure, and to gracefully accept success. She prepares inquiring minds for what the world has to offer. She encourages them to choose their friends carefully, and to acknowledge that there are consequences for all actions. Most importantly, Neketa encourages them to put God first in all things and to always count their blessings.Neketa resides in Nassau, Bahamas, with her husband David and their lovely family.