I’ve always been a dreamer. Even as a young girl of twelve, I had a clear vision of my future: studying abroad and experiencing life to the fullest.
Unfortunately, my mother’s overprotectiveness dashed those early aspirations. Her refusal to sign the necessary documents to allow me to travel internationally ignited a fire within me. I vowed to leave the country and chase the American dream as soon as I turned eighteen.
As adulthood approached, practicality set in. Respecting my father’s financial constraints, I postponed my study abroad plans, promising to pursue a master’s degree in the US upon graduating from College. Fate, however, had other plans. My father’s colon cancer diagnosis forced me to prioritize family over personal ambitions. His unwavering support and encouragement during his illness strengthened my decision to stay by his side. When he passed away, my American dream seemed to vanish along with him.
Heartbroken and disillusioned, I immersed myself in my career as a mass communication graduate and photojournalist. While I achieved some success, including becoming an OIC in the photo department of a local newspaper, it was a far cry from my original aspirations. I often found myself questioning my life choices.
Then came love. Marriage seemed like a detour from my original path, but I embraced it. And then, motherhood happened. The moment I held my firstborn in my arms, everything changed. A new kind of dream ignited within me – one filled with endless possibilities for my child.
My journey has been far from linear. It’s been a rollercoaster of hopes, disappointments, and unexpected turns. But through it all, I’ve learned that life’s greatest rewards often come from paths less traveled. And while my original dreams may have evolved, the desire to create a meaningful life for myself and my family burns brighter than ever.
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