I was born and raised in a low-income family. My father had his own business and the financial situation at home was like a roller coaster. My mother, who was the best administrator I knew, did miracles to make the situation more bearable.
In my times they would say that studying and achieving a degree was what was going to get us out of poverty. I always thought that when I grew up, I wanted a home like mine full of joy and music, but without the financial needs we had. I set out to achieve it and many times I was criticized for having ambitions and for wanting to surpass myself intellectually and materially. But that didn’t stop me from achieving the lifestyle that I wanted to have. That interest never left humility and respect for my parents behind. They gave me the necessary tools to understand that I could forge my goals and obtain from life all the experiences that gave me happiness and pleasure. They taught me that in order to achieve them I didn’t have to hurt anyone. I just had to work hard and always do my best. Always remembering that wealth does not bring happiness, but if we want to enjoy the good things in life, we have to pay the price.
Each person is different and has every right to choose the lifestyle that makes them happy. The important thing is to remember that we should not settle for less when with some effort we can achieve more.
Maria M. Garcia Santiago, BA, MA
