In celebration of International Women's Day (March 8th), we’re making the month of March all about the incredible, inspiring, courageous women who inspire you to be who YOU are. Each week we’ll be chatting to three of our ‘I am who I am’ campaign ambassadors as they share their stories to uplift, and inspire YOU! Covering everything from motivating morning mantras, who inspires them, and what makes them happiest; this week it’s all about student nurse Cerys Parfitt, Influencer & model Sophia Peschisolido and England Football Captain Steph Houghton!

Introduce yourself

Nurse Cerys: My name is Cerys (pronounced Keris), I’m 20 and I live in Nottingham, originally from North West London, and I’m currently studying to be a nurse.

Sophia Pesch: Hey, I’m Sophia Peschisolido, I’m 24 and am a model and content creator.

Steph Houghton: I’m Steph Houghton, and I’m the Manchester City and England football captain.

Tell us your story

SP: Over a year ago i was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder; (and believe it or not, that was the first time I felt normal). I had dealt with some really hard years trying to understand why I felt the way I did, but once I was diagnosed things just kind of fell into place. My therapist advised me to keep a journal and write down all my feelings, and that advice has really worked. I think the most important thing in my life is to just be happy, and I’m pleased to say I finally feel content, happy, about where I am and what I’m doing and proud of myself for how far I’ve come.

SH: I started playing football from the age of 4. It’s a sport that I love, and I am so fortunate to be able to speak to you as a professional footballer! My family have really supported me throughout my career, the highs and lows through injury but also being there to encourage me to keep going despite people’s perceptions of women's football.

NC: I’m currently training to become a nurse for the NHS, this year in particular has been very tough but I’m now a qualified COVID Vaccinator so it brings me a great deal of happiness to be able to offer this to my patients. I vaccinate vulnerable and elderly people and even key workers.

What brings you happiness every day?

NC: Blue skies are definitely something that makes me happy (when we have them). The fact that I am able to bring hope each day with all the COVID vaccinations I am providing. Also my friends, my family and my boyfriend bring so much joy to my life.

SP: My dog scruffy! He literally is like having a furry best friend. We do everything together, and being with him is like having a little security blanket wherever I go. He really helps me overcome my anxiety.

What inspires you and why?

SH: The biggest inspirations for me are my family, who have been there throughout my whole career. They have taught me everything I know now including how I am as a person.

NC: I’m really lucky to be surrounded by so many inspiring people, whether that’s my colleagues, friends or my family (my mum is so incredible)! My boyfriend David inspires me on a daily basis. He’s so motivating for me to be the best nurse I can possibly be, get my degree and fulfil my potential!

What makes you YOU?

SP: The three things that I would say would make me who I am is that I’m determined, resilient and I’m honest. I’m by no means perfect, but every day I try to better myself and focus on the good.

SH: Definitely my family. All of them are so caring, so loving and so hard working. I like to feel that I am a reflection of them every single day.

What do you love most about yourself?

NC: One of the things I do really like about myself is the way I treat people. When I care for my patients, I treat them like how I would want myself or my family to be cared for. Everyone is equal in my eyes, and I wouldn’t judge or treat anyone differently despite their past or how they speak to me.

SP: For most young women we focus on what we don’t like rather than what we do like, but I have learned that you HAVE to love yourself, as it gives you confidence. I love my determination, my drive and my positive outlook on life, but most importantly, I love that I am happy!

What piece of advice would you share with other women?

SH: My biggest advice is to always chase your dreams, no matter what. Don’t take no for an answer. Keep working hard, keep pushing to do what you want to do and always smile.

NC: My advice would be to be kinder to ourselves! A good everyday technique for this is to look into the mirror and say three positive things about yourself. Do this everyday and it will become a habit; and you will start to see yourself in a much more positive light.

SP: My advice is to try and always see the positives in every situation, remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel even when it’s hard to see, it’s there. You’ll get there.