04-Feb-2018
To the one person who has been a constant in my life, I was asked to write an article on an empowering woman and I could not think of anyone better to write on than you. I know this letter cannot encompass all that you have done for me but I still would like to give it a shot. You made me the person I am today.
You taught me to dream beyond the clouds. If not for you, I doubt I would have managed to achieve my then 12 year dream of studying in the states. Now that I think about it, US was your dream for me. While other parents sent their children to tuition, you sat with me to teach me despite your terrible body aches. I am super grateful for your dedication. I making it into a top high school as well as me being in US now is a result of your hard work more than mine. I remember how you always said there cannot be a greater life to you than me doing well. Whenever I spent money to get you gifts for mother’s day. You always put me before yourself.
You taught me it is alright to fall. There is no shame in falling as long as I get up. It is constantly noteworthy that you were always by my side, waiting to pick me up in the case I am unable to do so myself. Perhaps, because of the way I grew up or the experiences I have been through, I always wanted to get up on my own without the help of others even if it means it will take me a longer to do so. As a result, I have never given sufficient credit to you having been there for me. You were there for me both in grade 1 and 11 when everyone said I would not make it. You spoke on my behalf and I cannot be more grateful regarding that. You also made me think how tough times do not last whenever I got depressed over my life.
I am fortunate to have had a mother like you who supported and encouraged me to follow my dreams because you were not able follow yours. You taught me how important it is to fight for my dreams. My fight began when I was in grade I and it has not ceased yet. You taught me to embrace what others consider as my faults, be it my skin color or gender, to fuel me to further heights. You taught me never to let other people define me or my abilities. You taught me that I am the only one who can control my future.
Thanks for being part of my life. I hope to be able to impact the lives of people around me & you have done to me.
Your loving daughter,
Sonia (Alias: Haripriya)