Growing up on the island of Antigua is an experience that will stay with Victoria forever. She was the youngest of nine children and was not fortunate to have met any of her grand parents. However, Victoria was surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins. Victoria enjoyed being surrounded by relatives. It made her feel happy and protected. It also provided an outlet for her not to feel stifled in one house. She had the freedom to spend time at a different relative’s house when she felt bored. Two of Victoria's aunt on her mother’s side lived across the street and everyone who lived immediately around Victoria and her family were related to them. Victoria's reflection of her life begins at age five (5), her first day of school. Growing up on the island of Antigua in the village of Swetes, with her brothers and sisters and relatives has left lots of memories in Victoria's mind. Some of the memories are great and there are some that Victoria is uncomfortable with. There was tension in some neighbors as they vowed on comparing their children in terms of book smart. The tension would actually get to the point of mothers not speaking to each other if their child (children) were more successful at examinations. The island of Antigua is surrounded by 365 beaches and Victoria and her community took advantage of that. They would go to the beach frequently on Fridays and the church would sponsor a picnic on Easter Monday. Victoria cherishes the fond memories of growing up on the island of Antigua, in the village of Swetes.
