Growing up, I was often called a weird nerd. Now that I’m an adult, those words have transformed into ‘you are an expert’. I don’t mind the term geek; I’ve learned to own my originality and uniqueness. It empowers me and makes it hard for others to ridicule me for who I am. My ability to see the world differently, thanks to my dyslexia, has become my superpower.
Reflecting on my childhood in Sudan, I realize I was part of an awe-inspiring natural world. The Nile River was close by, and my life was intertwined with the wildlife and environment. It was my everyday existence, where I couldn't see the beauty around me until I left for the UK. My first thought was worry about my grandma, thinking she would be upset by the cold I encountered after the plane door opened.
I carry the pride of my heritage from Sudan, yet I call the west coast of Scotland home. This duality enriches my life experiences and perspective. My memory works differently; I remember every detail about people I meet, making me seem observant. It's a skill that helps me deeply understand the behavior of animals, which is essential in my work as the animal expert or 'animal guy' as my neighbors call me.
There was a lack of representation for someone like me in wildlife presenting. I aspired to be on screen, close to wildlife, capturing the same adventurous spirit as Steve Irwin. My educational journey led me to Bangor University, where I also received an honorary degree, akin to one awarded to Sir David Attenborough. I view this as a twist of fate—a kind of destiny that validates my passion and aspirations.
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