Growing up in rural Jamaica, Erica Bennett was schooled for life by her mother, grandmother and aunt. The philosophies she imbibed were determination, good character, integrity, and the understanding that hard work is the only certain route to success. Employing an attitude of sheer audacity to succeed, coupled with the survival skills learned in her early years, she has built an independent life despite many challenges. Her career encompasses broadcasting, public relations, and education, guided by her belief that she can accomplish any goal by employing fortitude, by being ready to fail, but willing to rise again. She shares her story with the hope that others may derive encouragement on their own path.