I grew up in Italy and immigrated to Canada when I was 27 years old leaving a familiar language, my culture, and all my friends and family behind. When people ask me: “Why did you leave such a beautiful country?” I smile and say, “To find a good job.” But the truth is that I needed to take some distance from a not so great childhood. I struggled growing up. I was bullied since I was very young. High school was hell due to problems I had with learning. I lost my father when I was 14 years old to a sudden illness, and anxiety made that time of my life very difficult. I didn’t have much going for myself then. Except that I had a vivid imagination, and a mother who believed in me. At the end of high school I decided to go to university to study child psychology and my mother consulted with the principal at my school. This is what she told her: “Miss Maggi, your daughter is no material for university. You’ll waste your money if you send her.” Since that day over 30 years ago, I earned a BA Honours, a Masters degree, and a PhD from prestigious universities. Today, I am a respected professor at a Canadian university and a productive researcher. How did I get here? My mom didn’t listen to the principal, but believed in me instead. And I never gave up working towards the achievement of my dreams. I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of young people. Having experienced adversity first hand, I have a very strong personal motivation to making sure that children are given what they deserve to grow into happy and healthy adults. Writing The Layers it's been very much part of that journey, because at one point in my career I realized that there's nothing better than the arts to connect deeply with people and make a difference in their lives.