Parliament's recent focus on the issue of stratification drew my notice, getting me instinctively to think about my own life.

Seven precious years of my teenage life were irresponsibly given to delinquency and drug addiction. Fortunately I did not have a conviction record but those lost years still left me in a dire state. With only a Primary School Leaving Examination certificate, a poor command of English, a loathing for studying and a warped mindset - to be precise.