We all have adversity in our lives. Some more than others but adversity nonetheless. I have very been lucky in my life. My adversity has been tough but it was never devastating. There are others who really have had a tough life. Mine has not been that bad.
I grew up in a lower middle class home. My parents weren't rich but they always had enough to give us a home, food and clothing. As immigrants they worked really hard to make a life here in the United States. They showed me and my sister that you can work hard and succeed.
But, when it came time to go off to college, they didn't have enough money to send me to school. It was tough for them so I knew that I would have to work super hard and do for myself. And I did. I graduated from high school and went to work. I started out as a secretary and worked for about 5 years before I realized that I wanted to go to college.
I kept working full time and going to school part-time at night. After a year or so, I had saved up some money and decided to go back to school full-time and work part-time. It was hard but I worked hard and was pulling in some good grades. My grades were good enough to get me into honor classes and raise my GPA. I decided that I would go away to school and started applying to universities in Florida. I was finally accepted into the University of Miami. Because of my grades, I was able to receive some scholarships and grants. So, I packed my stuff and drove cross country to begin a whole new life. It was tough.
I was in a new city and I didn't know a soul. I found a tiny studio apartment that cost $400 with utilities. And I had a full class schedule. At one point, I was working 3 part time jobs and going to school full-time. I barely had money and had to budget. I ate a lot of Ramen and lived paycheck to paycheck. I won't lie, it was hard. There were months I almost didn't have enough money to cover my bills or buy groceries. When my abuelita would send me a random check, it was like heaven!
But it was all worth it. I was the first in my immediate family to receive a college degree. My education and degree have helped me in my life and career. If I had to do it all over again, I would not hesitate for one second. Life was tough but I rose above it!
It is fantastic! Anything that empowers women to share and celebrate their triumphs is something I am behind 100%. I triumphed and so can you. And you can share your story by entering the Pine-Sol® sweepstakes* on www.WomenRiseAboveIt.com or www.LasMujeresNoSeRinden.com. If you share your story, you can also win some fantastic prizes:
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