Who am I?
This is an interesting question. It can be answered differently, based on time of writing, in particular age of writing. This was the essay that started it all (the Grade 5 essay I mentioned in the introduction to the site). I don't recall what I wrote, though I do recall writing where I was born. I wrote I was born in a Veterinary hospital as I used to see one near school and assumed in childlike innocence, that is where human babies were born. I recall taking it home and in true to our family, a good laugh and a correction.
I am Linda Thorpe today, though was born Linda Alvares - a surname I carried proudly growing up, as it was my father's surname. My surname may have changed, and many parts of me changed by life experiences (for the better), though my values and beliefs, have remained the same.
I was born in Chennai, India. The youngest of four, into what I describe as a unique family, that shaped each of us differently.
In my observations of us, siblings dynamic, the first born knows their parents best (true of the eldest in our home – we go to her for all things we want to know before we came along). This seems natural - they had the most time with the parents of a household. By the time the youngest (me) arrived, the dynamics of the house had been established (not set – remember, I said “unique family”). If any other youngest children are like me, they become a keen observer of where they fit in as an individual. I did that very well and to this day, remain a keen observer, preferring to be in the background until needed. A true introvert though a "fake it till you make it" extrovert, when a situation calls for it. When there are other introverts in the room, I have been known to ask the questions they may be thinking; and when there are extroverts in the room, I am known for letting them lead being a quiet listener.
It was not just that the beginning of my life was unique – then came one of many major shifts (not the first) at age 16 (almost 17). The move to Australia – as a teenager, looking for life at home to improve. I am forever grateful, that Australia became home when it did – as it helped home life improve (after a very difficult two years). Even though the move meant I didn't get to say goodbye to my father when he passed away in India at the young age of 53, or missing all my childhood friends, and their milestones – this move I am truly grateful for to this day.
Australia gave me freedom from the uniqueness of our family situation, to create my own path.
Fast forward a little, to age 19 (just shy of turning 20) and landing my first job (a necessity). I still remember the process. I bought the newspaper – from my recollection, there were certain papers, certain days where jobs would be advertised. I saw a job advertised in a paper, for Telecom Mobile Net as it was called then, and curiously I applied. It must have been a handwritten letter as at this age, I had no resume of experiences and I had just dropped out of university (giving up the aspiration or idea of being a meteorologist - there was just too much physics for my liking, and at that age, I did not have the courage to seek out a life guide or ask for help).
Telstra Mobile Net must have liked my letter - I got asked to come in for an interview. I remember leaving home early. Though one train stop from home, I had to turn around and come home to get my tax file number. Something they had asked me to bring in, that was written on a piece of paper at home. I memorised it then and never forgot it again. My punctuality (always arrive early) saved me as I was not late for my interview (truth be told, I was ‘on time’ meaning I made it before I was called in). To this day, if I don't know where I'm going, I leave early with enough time to get lost along the way and be on time. I plan for the unexpected; it is rare that I am late for a scheduled meeting (usually one of the first to connect).
I was interviewed by two older males - at 19 almost anyone in a suit seemed like an older male, or perhaps like the poem Stairs of Ageing, you do see older without age labels, when you are the young person in the room.
I remember this first job interview being very casual, with good banter and laughs. I talked to them about my ability to work hard and be comfortable with hard things (even if I was here as a university drop out, which I unashamedly explained – it was a necessity). In those times, there was no career coach (that I know of). Just my words, with pure innocence and honesty. The interviewers did not need many opinions, just one conversation and their collective instinct on fit for the role. In contrast today, I hear so many who are qualified for a job, whose resume does not reach the hiring manager, or that the interview process is long, drawn out and decisions are made after multiple conversations – raising hopes and then either ghosting the candidates or declining to hire for no real feedback other than “there were two of you, we went with the other one”. Could they have saved time and hired “the other one” with less rounds of interviews?.
I was living north of the bridge, in Sydney at the time, and by the time I got home from Liverpool Street, Sydney, the phone had rung. My flatmates had taken the message which sat beside the phone (one of those old dial phones for those who are not of the era). I got the job! I was so excited. I could pay my $60 a week rent and live life as an independent adult, no reliance on anyone for money. I did not plan a career. Only to see where this goes. I knew as a working adult, I would be like my father – hard working.
My father set a good example of work ethic. Cello was his craft. He was well respected, as I observed his interactions with his musician friends and colleagues. My father showed me: Master your Craft. Be the best at it. Work hard. There were some school holidays, I would go in and sit at the back of the studio and just watch how they recorded music to the film. How the singer in the booth was recorded. How many takes they would do. In his break, he would come say hello. I was lucky to have had my dad as my hero, the one I looked up to and who made me laugh.
This first job introduced me to many good humans who today remain friends through our journey of life. They know who they are - we remain connected to this day. This first job shaped me in so many ways that will be part of future writing.
Now that I am the older one to the young ones at work, and been doing this for many decades, there comes the question: Outside of work, who am I?
It is not unusual, for anyone like me, no children only a fur child, who out of necessity started work early, and worked hard - to have an identity wrapped around work. It may also be true to those who are unlike me and have their identity defined by their work. I learned during the "hard reset" of 2024, that indulging the passion of writing, and making it a focused part of my daily habits helped to slowly release the strong hold of the work identity. For I am more than a work title (one that has never meant much to me, only that I am doing a job that best aligns with my natural ability and passion).
So who am I?
I am a wife. I am a mother to a fur human. I am a sister and an aunt. I am a friend, a colleague, a neighbour. So many titles of society. I still am just me. Linda. Born in Chennai. Hold strong values and ethics.
My other passions:
Running, first and foremost for me – started at the age of 25 – and whilst I have done a few races including my first half marathon aged 32, and first full marathon aged 43, it is more of a movement and relaxation of the mind for me. Don’t get me wrong – running the hills of Brisbane is no pleasure. Though a reminder to do ‘hard things’ rings in my ear when I choose hills over the scenic Brisbane River.
In my spare time, I am a home body. I love being home and doing nothing some days. My nothing is still something. Either pottering and rearranging, decluttering or just snuggling with my fur child, and watching a variety of streaming services (movies, documentaries, podcasts).
You'll notice not a lot of music - daughter of a musician, wife of a musician - I am the last person who can talk music with you even if I do intend to learn violin from my dear Brother (his gift to me now out of tune sitting and waiting for a start). I go through phases to challenge myself to find new music and add it to my play list of the year.
You will also notice not a lot of reading. I did get into a habit last year of reading. I have a few books to read the rest of this year.
More on music and reading later.
So, who am I? or rather who do I want to be when I grow up?
This site is a journey – of taking my passion for writing and putting it in print - first and foremost for me. This is something I have wanted to do for a very long time – writing chapters of books and never finishing them.
To the future me, may you look back on this writing, of putting one foot forward with imperfection, with gratitude to the Web Designer for making it happen.
To those visiting this site, may you enjoy the read.
Started: 09. August.2026
Finished: 10. August.2026 (edited before publishing)
Published: First time on this website on launch
