My parents could see how school was never going to be my thing and gave me the ultimatum, either find a craft or go back to school, so I went to a building site and began carpentry. It was not long before I knew this also was not for me as I found myself daydreaming most days having zero motivation to get stuck into the job. I was so close to choosing the wrong path in life but for some reason, things changed. I got a job in a local car garage, I began sweeping floors, doing coffee runs to twelve years later running the place as Manager. I knew I could manage a garage to its best ability with my confidence and people skills. Although this felt great it just didn’t feel right, I knew I had not yet reached my full potential.
In 2011 I joined the Civil Defense. My aim was to one day try out for the Fire Service. To be honest my inspiration was merely seeing the fire service in action helping others and I said to myself “now that’s a job worth having”. In 2015 the opportunity came up for Naas F.S and after successfully passing all the required stages I went into the final interview being nothing but myself with an attitude that I had nothing to lose, I actually recall saying in that interview “you will get stronger lads than me, you will get smarter lads than me, but you will not have anybody sitting in front of you as committed or driven as me”. Thankfully I was successful and this is one of my biggest achievements to date.
Currently, I am six years in the job and I don’t feel like it’s work at all. Over these six years I have learnt a lot and experienced even more but the one main thing I have learnt is that helping others is what I am here to do. I am now aiming and determined to help the youth of the world and if I can help one child help themselves in life difficult situations, then I’ve done my job.
I have learned so much and have experienced so much but the one thing I have learned about myself is that helping others is my goal, my passion, and what I truly believe I am on this earth to do!
I am on a mission to educate and empower children and parents all over the world about all types of safety.
Zippy.