Six-time author Cheryl Ainsworth-Martin (Queen Hadassah) writes about her life escaping depression, sadness and anger, and overcoming adversity to make it in America.
The Guyanese-American and former teacher penned two inspiring books titled “I Want to Live Again” and “A Toast To Life.” These volumes chronicle the author’s journey to an enhanced life leaving behind her painful past.
Queen Hadassah, who recently celebrated her 61st birthday in a setting fit for the royal life she now enjoys, talks about being rescued by friends and a Jewish family with whom she worked as a babysitter, and where she found shelter while working towards a better life.
Born in Victoria Village on the East Coast of Demerara, where her parents, the Ainsworths-strict educators, instilled in their nine children the importance of learning. Queen Hadassah who no doubt has determination, jumped over barriers after arriving in the United States.
She then went on to earn a college degree. But despite achieving higher learning, she felt this achievement hindered her and caused her to feel ostracized and unwanted being an immigrant.
“The system in America is very different from what I grew up with in Guyana, but education helped me to cope with the diversity and multicultural backdrop of New York,” said the author.
Working her way through the loss of two sisters and coming out of depression after psychological therapy, Queen Hadassah, named after a Jewish girl in the bible, explained that Guyanese people have their own way of life and culture and as such, she found it difficult to integrate into American society.
“We want to be accepted for who we are. We are more alike than different. We can all be a part of this life in America and pursue economic development despite our cultural differences,” said the Brooklyn resident.
With more than 31 years teaching experience and the skill required, she taught many Guyanese-born children who arrived in America back in 1982, with a lack of reading aptitude, as well as emotional problems.
This captivating personality, with a charming laughter, thanked her aunt Sybil Saul James for saving her, and her parents for the discipline they inculcated in their children, many who became teachers.
“I want to Live Again” is being sold on www.amazo
