Last night, a momentous milestone was etched into my life’s story. Overwhelmed by the realization that my five-year journey through graduate school had reached its culmination, I closed my laptop, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Afterward, I took a shower and let the tears flow unabashedly for 40 minutes, embracing the depth of emotions that accompanied this pivotal transition.
Throughout this journey, I successfully balanced three jobs at once and leaned on the steadfast support of my 11-year-old, who diligently cared for our home as I studied and worked. In the midst of this, I embarked on a new job that has seen tremendous growth over the past two years, relocated to a different city, taught my teenager the art of driving, and proudly watched her take the wheel of her own car. As I reflect on my unyielding determination and perseverance, I am filled with a profound sense of awe and pride in the accomplishments I’ve achieved.
My journey has been a transformative one, liberating myself from the burdens of past family struggles and paving a brighter future for my daughter. Our journey bears witness to the strength of resilience, born in a childhood where the stability of my home was as precarious as a tower of termites. In environments where gangs and illicit activities were all too common. I grew up in a household with a single parent, where alcoholism and drug use were the norms, and it still amazes me how I managed to pass elementary school given the numerous absences.
At the tender age of 13, my life experienced a seismic shift as I was uprooted from my familiar surroundings and granted a fresh start. After spending 31 days in protective custody, I was whisked away on a plane to another state. Though far from perfect, this new life presented opportunities I could have never previously fathomed. As a single mother, I was confronted with challenging decisions, such as choosing between daycare and purchasing food each week. The burden of daycare costs loomed as large as my mortgage, serving as a poignant reminder of the hurdles single parents must overcome.
Now, poised at the brink of a new chapter in my life, I pause to revel in this accomplishment alongside my fellow graduates this weekend. Filled with anticipation, I eagerly await the upcoming trip to Uganda in June with my daughter to support my Agri Planet Africa team and the myriad of adventures that lie ahead of us. For the moment, though, I will soak in the warmth of this well-deserved achievement and look forward to the exciting new phase that awaits me in my journey.