She cites her grandmother’s support and encouragement of her educational pursuits as the catalyst that helped her achieve academically. At the age of seven (7), Candice was struck in the head with a brick. The injury she sustained did require a hospital visit however; she reports no long-term effects. She was never tested for brain injury or other medical disorders.
Her parents divorced shortly after the brick incident, forcing Candice and her siblings to live permanently with their mother. She reports a heavy financial strain on the family, which is evidenced by their frequent moving which is easily understandable given the family situation.