Growing Up With Love and Lessons

I grew up with two of the most loving parents a child could ask for. They had different parenting styles, but together they created a foundation that shaped me into who I am today. My mom was the type of woman who thought about all of us—her children—before she thought about herself. She always looked for opportunities, always listened when someone mentioned a program that could help us grow. I remember one lady telling her, “Put her in this afterschool program. Don’t let her waste her knowledge.” And without hesitation, my mom signed me up.

That small decision set a tone for my life. From afterschool programs to summer camps, to field trips my parents couldn’t afford to take me on themselves, these opportunities fed a hunger in me. They gave me access to knowledge, experiences, and joy that went beyond survival. My parents couldn’t always give us time—working long hours to make sure there was a roof over our heads—but they gave us stability. And the programs they placed me in gave me curiosity, excitement, and a drive to keep learning.

Then there was my dad—the lecturer. If my mom was the nurturer of opportunity, my dad was the professor of life lessons. His speeches could last over an hour, me standing there listening as he shared what he knew about the world. At the time, I’d get tired of standing so long, but those words planted themselves deep in me. They taught me to think critically, to stand firm, and to understand that wisdom wasn’t something you rushed—it was something you absorbed.

Faith as My Foundation

Through all of this, one of the main anchors in my life has been my relationship with God. From a young age, I believed in Him, but as I grew older, that belief deepened into a true relationship. And I know without a doubt that His hand has carried me through every chapter of my journey. Faith has been my compass, my protector, and my strength when I didn’t know how I’d make it.

My First Taste of Accomplishment

The first time I ever felt like I was really accomplishing something solid was at my very first job—as a tutor. I was just helping kids, doing something small, but the way people responded opened my eyes. Hearing, “You’re amazing,” over and over, I started to realize the power of my effort. That was my first taste of what it meant to be valued for the work I put in.

And that theme carried with me into every role I’ve taken since. Each time, I found myself asking: Do they see me? Do they see the effort I’m putting in? Do they value what I bring to the table?

Validation in My Career

The answer came loud and clear in my first job out of college—and the only one I’ve had since. That role became a turning point for me. It validated everything I had been working toward. It showed me that I had not only chosen a solid foundation, but that I was also moving in the direction of long-term success.

My company has invested in me, believed in me, and even mapped out the trajectory they see for me. That kind of recognition has chipped away at my imposter syndrome in ways I never thought possible.

My Career as My Biggest Accomplishment

Today, I can look at my career and say with full confidence: this is my biggest accomplishment so far. Not just because of the title or the paycheck, but because of the story behind it—the sacrifices of my parents, the lessons of my father, the opportunities my mom fought for, the programs that nurtured me, the faith that carried me, and the moments of validation that proved I belong here.

And yet, this doesn’t feel like the end of the story. My career has given me stability and pride, but it has also given me the freedom to look ahead—to ask myself, How can I grow in other areas of life too? My health, my creativity, my faith, my relationships—all of these matter just as much.

What’s Next: Building a Whole Life

Success, I’m learning, isn’t just about climbing in one area. It’s about balance. It’s about building a life that feels whole, purposeful, and true. And that’s the journey I’m on now.