I was born into a poor family. My mother, a hard-working woman, did everything she could to make ends meet, even if it meant feeding me leftovers from stores or food that couldn’t be sold. My childhood was filled with cold meals, hard bread, and a heart full of dreams I could never touch.

My mother did everything possible to provide for me. She quietly went through trash after her work to pick up whatever she could find, saving every penny she earned. I always saw her bent down under streetlights at night, while everyone else was asleep. She’d collect what others had thrown away, just so I could have a meal.

I remember being teased at school for eating leftovers. The mockery was hard to bear, and it left me feeling humiliated and ashamed. They didn’t understand, they didn’t know that my mother did everything she could because of me. But no matter how hard things were, I couldn’t change the fact that I was a poor child, and no one had sympathy for me.

As time went on, the mockery continued, but something else began to form inside me—a stubborn spirit. I no longer cried when they mocked me. Instead, I became determined not to let my circumstances define me. I started studying harder, even when there were times I didn’t have enough books or light to study.

My mother continued to work tirelessly, never resting. But whenever I asked her about the struggles, she’d smile and say: “We can’t change the past, but the future is still open for us.”

20 Years Later

By the time I turned 20, things began to change. I earned a scholarship to a prestigious university, a huge milestone in my life. It wasn’t easy, but I fought for it. The long hours of studying in the dark, the sleepless nights dreaming of a better future, everything had led to this.

And then, when I graduated, those who had once ridiculed me were now amazed, admiring me. The things they had once said about me turned into praise. I hadn’t just achieved my dream, I had shown them all that a person could overcome anything if they were determined enough.

On that day, when I stood on stage to receive my diploma, I saw my mother sitting in the front row, her eyes full of pride. She cried. It was the first time I’d seen her shed tears. She had endured everything for me, and finally, she could see the results.

The whole auditorium fell silent as I stood up, microphone in hand, and said:

“Today, I stand here not only because of myself. I stand here to thank my mother, who did everything so I could be here. Without her, I wouldn’t have this chance. And I want all of you to know that no matter where we start, if we don’t give up, the future will always be open.”

The whole room erupted in applause. And in that moment, I realized that all the hardships, all the mockery from years ago, were now the fuel that helped me rise. I had done it. Not just for me, but for my mother—the woman who had lived her life for me.

My mother wasn’t just the one who raised me step by step, but she was also the invaluable source of strength, helping me realize that nothing is impossible.

And After That

In the years that followed, I continued to learn and strive. But every success I had was for my mother. I didn’t want her to have to live through hardships anymore, because she deserved a life better than the one she had before.

And one beautiful day, when my mother could finally rest without worrying about the next meal, I looked back and silently thanked all the struggles that came before. My mother taught me that no matter how poor you are, if you have love and perseverance, you will overcome any challenge.

She had worked hard all her life for me, and now, I would do everything to give her the best life.

We’ve come from those difficult days to the success we have today. And I’m proud of us.