It seems like only a short while ago when I met up with five amazing women I had interviewed earlier for A&H. Five years had passed from the magazine's inception. The editor had decided to feature five people I had interviewed, asking one interviewee from each year to be cover girls. We had a wonderful day together and I remember feeling incredibly inspired by these lovely ladies.
Another five years have passed, and this time I had the pleasure of revisiting some of the equally inspiring people I have had the pleasure to interview over the past year. True to form, they have moved forward and their news is even more exciting than when we last met.
Jacob and Sarah Cachia
After enjoying a relaxing summer, Jacob is now back at MCAST and fully geared up for his studies. Over the summer he had a change of heart about his future career, as most teenagers tend to do.
Initially, Jacob planned to study IT to become a computer programmer, but now he has become very outgoing and a people person, the total opposite to the way he used to be. So he's decided he doesn't want a life behind a desk. He wants to take up a different challenge so he's chosen a course in business and commerce to help him fulfil his dream of one day owning a coffee shop.
"As his mother I will do my best to help him to make his dream come true," says his mum, Sarah Cachia. "He won't be short of a helping hand from all of us: his dad Sammy, his sister Chloe and even from our pet dog Peanut."
Among others, fellow Survivors Malta members follow Jacob's progress as he strives to move forward and succeed in all that he does. Despite his hemiplegia he has learned to adapt to his circumstances to achieve his goals.
Survivors Malta members look forward to the opening of the coffee shop with Jacob's promise of a complimentary first coffee (and that includes me, I'm told - thanks, Jacob.)
With his altruistic acts and cheeky smile, Jacob has earned himself quite a following throughout his journey to recovery. Wherever he goes people stop him to ask if they can shake his hand or even give him a hug, thanking him for inspiring them. Jacob is more than happy to oblige as grinning he tells them: "Go ahead ... sure!"
He and his family, in turn, thank his supporters, pointing out that they motivate him to keep going. His followers also look forward to the forthcoming publication of a book telling his story to those that need to hear it, all of the proceeds of which will go to charity.
Jacob and his family have never earned any money from telling his story. It wasn't told for glory, fame or even for public sympathy. His story was told because it had to be told, simply to help others see that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.
Based on this philosophy, Jacob and his mother Sarah started the support group Survivors Malta on Facebook. The group has been a success with membership that grows daily, and survivors sharing their stories to help others who are facing the same situation. "There's no greater gift than that," Sarah says. "Some things money just cannot buy and it is found on Survivors Malta - the place to go to be inspired."
Cristina Gerada and Jonathon Hagos
"Since we last saw you, two days before the premiere, Simshar seems to have taken on a life of its own, although not without a huge amount of behind the scenes hard work from the team back in Malta. The film has been accepted for consideration for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar award and, as I write this, Rebecca Cremona, the writer director, and Leslie Lucy, the producer, are in Los Angeles promoting the film.
On another note, the Blue Nile, the Eritrean restaurant we designed for Jon's mum, Shewa Hagos, has been ranked best restaurant in London on Tripadvisor. We're all ecstatic. The phone is ringing off the hook, newspapers calling to find out how and why this little home-made and home-cooked restaurant has won over the whole city.
Of course not everything is red carpet glamour and fun. Most of the time, we're working too hard and have little time for relaxation. This is the only issue with working on projects that you love - they sit in both realms of work and play.
These quite separate but exciting events remind me of one of my favourite quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!"
Josette Falzon
"My main objective is to see off CF - Cystic Fibrosis. The events never stop as the planning never does. Fundraising events are organised on a continuous basis. Many friends bring along other friends, the word spreads, and thanks to everyone's generosity, funds are raised to continue funding the research for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.
"This year there were once again a number of events, including some friends running the Royal Parks Half Marathon and a wine tasting event which had a very good attendance. The most awaited event is without doubt the November party, which is always sold out. This year we sold over 900 tickets, which is a success solely in itself.
"All of this would not be possible without the support of numerous friends and family members and my partner Jean-Marc, who is now also training to run the London Marathon to raise funds for CF research. Everyone is always there to provide support, whether through fundraising or if i'm having a bad day.
"Besides my 'public' life, what I enjoy most is being mummy to Franny. This has its ups and downs, daily preparation of medication, hospital visits, and, because Franny's 14, coping with taxiing around. But I wouldn't change it for anything."
Help see off CF http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/cfmalta
Federica Falzon
"Since we last met in August I haven't had a minute to spare, between preparing for Junior Eurovision and attending my voice lessons daily.
"I have learnt so much from this experience, and enjoyed making new friends, all contestants from different countries. I was also happy to spend time with Vincenzo Cantiello, my former singing partner from Ti Lascio un Canzone, and last but not least, Maestro Leonardo de Amicis.
"Although my days were jam packed with activities, to me, they were unforgettable, especially the evenings spent at Euroclub, where all delegates from various countries enjoyed singing and dancing all together.
"I want to thank absolutely everyone who helped and supported me during this exciting time. Special mention goes to Gillian Attard my vocal coach, songwriter Matt Muxu Mercieca, composer Elton Zarb, and head of delegation Daniel d'Anastasi, my parents and entire family, my sponsors and, of course, the Maltese who have always given their full support."
So there you have it - successful people are just like you and me, but who work hard to follow their dreams. I can only hope that our interviewees have struck a chord in your heart as they have done in mine. I have learnt something from each and every one of them and I hope that you have too. With determination, we can all make this world a better place. And the best time to start is now.