This Women’s History Month, I want the spotlight to shine of the biggest star in my life, my mom. As the plight of a single mother is noble; it is admirable and I am one of many children of a single mother. I am here today at the University of Texas at Austin because of my mother; more so, through her sacrifices and devotion to motherhood, a journey characterized by uncharted waters. Then aged 19, I imagine the joy and uncertainty that coincided with my birth
I recently turned 19 myself, and it is at this age and stage in my life that my appreciation for my mom has surpassed that of years prior. Firstly, I cannot imagine giving birth at this age, yet my mom achieved this feat. My mom walked into that hospital, equipped with all the strength she could muster, and left with me; the living, breathing, talking embodiment of herself. While it was not always easy for her, or us as mother and daughter, the first word I associate with her is love.
My mother is a trailblazer; she is the first in our family to graduate college, and she did so while having a teenage daughter. When she graduated in August of 2017, at 33, I was 13 and did not grasp the feat that is graduating college, let alone with a child to raise while doing so. This semester is the second of my freshmen year, and the first one nearly took me out! I am just now learning how to balance my homework, organizations, and personal life.
Moments such as this time in my life remind me of how fortunate I am. My mother encouraged my creativity and curiosity; she praised my strengths and taught me to rise from my failures. I remember seeing her walk the stage, I thought of how I would be starting college sooner than later, and now I am determined to walk that stage. My head will be held high, looking out to the audience for the woman who should be walking the stage alongside me. I will be the second in my family to graduate college, and because of my mother’s unwavering support, I will be the first to continue to graduate school, and with my mother’s maiden name, be the first Ph.D. Morris.
I love you, Mom!