About Me — Ann Inkwell
Let us embrace these stories, yours, and mine, as a demonstration of the unwavering strength within us all and our endless capacity for change.
Reflecting on my school days, I often wish I could hold someone accountable for the tedious history lessons filled with endless tales of conflict and authoritarian leaders.
This was especially challenging for me due to my mild dyslexia, which made languages a formidable challenge, leading me to delay my writing endeavors. This struggle, likely inherited from my mother, became a shared experience. She would recount how her mother warned that if you struggle to string sentences together, you might resort to answering interview questions in metrics. Thus, an inside joke was born between us: “The answer to every qualitative question in an interview is 2 + 2!” We would laugh heartily, knowing the deeper truth behind our jest.
It came as no surprise that my grades shone brilliantly in all but languages and history. In those moments of struggle, I found gratitude for my dearest friend in high school, Noleen, a remarkable scholar. She spurred me into essay-writing sessions, determined to elevate my language skills and grades. It wasn’t long before we realized that when a topic stirred my true essence, no peer, not even Noleen, could match the depth and authenticity of my words.
I am truly blessed with three incredible daughters whom I adore beyond measure. My journey as a mother has been a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments. Each of my daughters is a precious blessing, and I am eternally grateful for the unique and beautiful family we have created together.
My eldest daughter, who is adopted, brought immense joy and love into my life. Her presence has been a gift beyond words, and she has given me the incredible joy of being a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. Welcoming her to our family was a defining moment that filled our lives with immeasurable love and happiness.
When I became pregnant with our second child, I was nearly 30 years old. My husband and I were stationed in a remote location, far from the comforting presence of our family. During this time, my childhood struggles with bonding with my play dolls resurfaced, filling me with fears. I was terrified that I wouldn’t know how to care for a newborn or bond with them properly.
To soothe my anxieties, I immersed myself in the world of babies. I devoured every baby magazine I could find, studied pregnancy and the three trimesters in-depth, and educated myself on SIDs, breastfeeding, sleeping postures, and more. I even attended prenatal classes and engaged in exercises to prepare myself. My obstetrician’s office became a sanctuary where I could share my concerns, especially during moments when my baby was unusually still in the womb. I vividly remember the relief I felt when my caregiver suggested a glass of Coke to stimulate fetal movement, which worked wonders despite my strict organic diet and avoidance of stimulants like soda and coffee throughout both pregnancies.
Despite all my preparations, I still faced health challenges, and both of my younger daughters were born prematurely. Their tiny lungs needed a boost with steroids in the days leading up to their births. Today, I find it amusing that my daughters excel in sports, and we often joke that it’s the steroids they received before birth that gave them an edge.
My journey through motherhood has been a mix of triumphs and challenges, but through it all, the love and joy that my daughters have brought into my life have made every moment worthwhile. They have grown into incredible individuals, each with their unique strengths and personalities that make me burst with sheer delight. As a mother, I cherish every precious moment spent with them and am grateful for our special bond.
My heart overflows with gratitude for the gift of motherhood and the irreplaceable joy of watching my daughters grow and flourish. Their laughter, kindness, and unwavering love have filled my days with warmth and light, and I am endlessly thankful for the privilege of being their mother.
For three decades since leaving the hallowed halls of academia, I have woven a tapestry of skills and ascended the dizzying heights of corporate success. Along this arduous journey, I’ve been blessed with mentors whose wisdom illuminated my path and role models whose brilliance ignited my ambition. While my home country South Africa, was going through significant sociopolitical change for the better, it was hardly so in commerce. Beneath the gleaming facade of professional triumph lay a battlefield strewn with the remnants of countless political skirmishes. With a heart laid bare, I must confess to the rivers of tears I’ve shed, each drop a testament to the searing pain inflicted by those whose craftiness knew no bounds and whose unreasonableness knew no limits. My once-innocent soul, brimming with youthful idealism, now stands fractured, its pieces scattered like fallen stars across corporate reality's cold, unforgiving landscape. I can still feel the weight of that fateful day etched into my memory with cruel precision when my cherished notions of democracy crumbled before my eyes. The bitter realization that this noble ideal held no sway in the merciless commerce arena tasted like ashes on my tongue. As I navigated the treacherous waters of this dog-eat-dog world, I found myself plunging into its darkest depths, surrounded by the wickedness that defied reason and the hostility that defied humanity. In the wake of their callous actions, my heart — once whole and hopeful — now lies shattered, each fragment a painful reminder of the innocence I’ve lost and the harsh truths I’ve gained.
Though it was devastating to witness the underhanded tactics that some employed, sacrificing integrity for success, I continued to cling to the hope that we can cultivate better governance, where transparency, integrity, and ethics may flourish like delicate blooms in a harsh world. I draw inspiration from scriptures and uplifting material, including Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” poem. The verses brilliantly capture the spirit of resilience and determination that pulses through the veins of those who have triumphed over adversity. Resilience, not mere endurance, has been my armor against the heavy blows of corporate politics and office bullies. As Angelou’s refrain, “I rise,” resonates within me, it grounds my core beliefs. I whisper to myself, “I am steadfast, indomitable, unyielding,” and anchor my resolve to overcome any obstacle.
It is this invincibility that inspires us amid adversity, binding us together as families, communities, and nations striving for a just and compassionate world. In moments of hardship, the human spirit’s resilience shines brightest, transforming tragedy into triumph and pushing us beyond our limits. This is a rallying cry, a declaration of our inherent worth, and a testament to the boundless human capacity for resilience. Together, we rise.
