Struggling to make ends meet as a solo parent on a benefit is a far cry from Rahia Jessup's life now.
She has climbed the ladder to become a trusted and highly successful real estate agent, with her hometown of Flaxmere providing her launching pad.
It was this determination that saw her recognised in the month of July for the Flaxmere Heroes Calendar - something she can't quite wrap her head around.
Read more: Flaxmere students honoured for hard work and dedication
Active-living advocate Mr August Talalelei Taufale
Josh Kronfeld hero for May in 2018 Flaxmere calendar
"It is an absolute honour and privilege to be named as a Flaxmere Hero. I didn't think of myself as a hero, I was just focused on making a better life for myself and my son.