At the time, I thought she was simply feeling nostalgic for her own home. How could I ever miss the estate? I can’t say that I do, even to this day. I miss my family, I sometimes miss the community atmosphere of the estate, knowing the postman’s name, the neighbour popping round to borrow a cup of washing powder. There is a deep connection to the estate because despite spending years feeling ashamed of where I grew up, I now wear it as a badge of honour. It’s not something that defines me, but it has shaped me. I grew up in an area where nothing was expected of me and trying to better yourself was seen as being “up yourself”. I received abuse, was pushed and shoved through my adolescence by peers that in retrospect, probably failed to understand me and lashed out. I wasn’t pampered, I have had to work really hard for everything I have in my life, I have had to fight stereotypes and push hard to break through the glass ceilings put in place for Britain’s underclasses. I was extremely lucky to grow up under a government where my university education was funded, where I was allowed to aspire to a quality education without financial concerns. I was lucky to have teachers who recognised my enthusiasm and imagination rather than my post code. Mostly, I was lucky to have a mother who believed and still believes that I could be Queen of the World if I put my mind to it. , How does growing up on a British council estate shape you as you grow up? We look past the stereotypes and explore one writer's childhood on an estate., Growing up on a council estate teaches you not to let people push you around. Whether it’s handling confrontation or speaking up for yourself, you know when and how to defend yourself..