Dr Monica Peres Oikeh: 'I was always the only black person in the room'

"I did my internship in Cork and Kerry - that’s where I learned how to cycle, cook, drive. I became my own person here."

Dr Monica Peres Oikeh: "There's a story that follows you and I wanted to be a different person - more independent. I’m very glad I did."

I was born in Nigeria, then moved to Ireland after my mum passed away. I was 15. I grew up in Blanchardstown in Dublin with my dad, my five younger siblings, and my stepmum.

I don’t know if it’s trauma but I don’t remember much until after my mum passed away. She had her own salon.