My mum's from a very rural village in Nigeria, she grew up in a

Host: The room feels calm, the soft light of evening casting gentle shadows on the walls as the world outside continues at its usual pace. Inside, the atmosphere feels reflective, almost as if the conversation is about to uncover deeper layers of meaning. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, gazing out at the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, yet filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how much the way we’re raised shapes who we become? How the values and skills taught to us in childhood influence the way we approach life as adults?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Childhood values and skills? Yeah, I guess a lot of who we are comes from how we were taught to think, survive, and adapt. What made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Vick Hope said: ‘My mum’s from a very rural village in Nigeria, she grew up in a war, and for her it was really important that my brothers and I knew how to fend for ourselves. My dad bought me a Swiss army knife for my 13th birthday and we used to go camping and he showed me how to light fires.’ It made me reflect on how the lessons we learn growing up, especially about independence and survival, stay with us throughout our lives.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, she’s saying that the values her parents instilled in her—self-reliance, the ability to fend for yourself—were shaped by their own life experiences, especially her mother’s tough upbringing during a war? And her father took that further by teaching practical survival skills, like how to light fires?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Hope’s upbringing was rooted in resilience and self-sufficiency. Her parents, especially her mother, made sure she understood the importance of being independent and capable, skills that would serve her well in life. Whether it was learning to light fires, use tools, or simply take care of herself, these lessons were about more than just survival—they were about empowerment.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to linger in the room, creating a quiet shift in the conversation about how childhood experiences shape our abilities to navigate life. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he reflects on the deeper values instilled in Hope’s upbringing. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a deeper understanding of independence, resilience, and personal growth.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what she means. The skills and values we learn as kids, whether from a tough environment or through practical experiences, shape how we approach challenges as adults. It’s not just about what we know—it’s about how we adapt and thrive, no matter what life throws at us.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. Hope’s parents taught her practical skills, but they also instilled in her the idea that you have to be resourceful, self-reliant, and prepared to face whatever comes your way. Those lessons became part of her foundation, part of who she is now—someone who can take on the world with confidence and adaptability.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea settles in) “It’s empowering, isn’t it? To realize that the challenges we face growing up, even in difficult circumstances, can shape us into people who know how to survive and thrive. It’s about more than just getting through tough times—it’s about learning how to use what we’ve been given to build resilience.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. The way we’re raised—whether through adversity or guidance—teaches us to navigate life with the skills and mindset needed to face challenges head-on. It’s about embracing independence, being prepared, and trusting ourselves to make it through whatever comes.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of resilience and self-sufficiency. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of independence and the lessons learned through experience. Jeeny watches him, content in the knowledge that the skills we learn early on shape our ability to navigate life with confidence and strength. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared recognition that the lessons of survival and self-reliance are invaluable tools for facing life’s challenges.