Never Give Up On YOU

I woke up this morning and thought about how far I have come.

I remember people assuming that because I was pregnant at 19 that I was uneducated and ignorant.

I remember people assuming that my escaping an abusive relationship and needing assistance from state made me a lost cause.

I remember being told how I would never be able to go back to school after being away from academia for so long. I remember being told to just let that dream go.

I remember my best friend telling me that I was so smart that I could be whatever I wanted to.

I remember all the hustlers who encouraged me daily and told me when I succeed they succeed.

I remember the pimp who brought me books about teaching and told to me to keep pushing.

I remember the children who were excited that I was going to college.

I remember those days when I was burnt out and my child told me “Mommy, you can do it!”

I remember being stressed because I had no idea how I could afford to go back to school and I managed to pay my way every semester.

I remember thinking I wasn’t prepared enough to take on the classes I took.

I remember being so afraid to fail.

I know that as of yesterday, I finished my last semester as an undergrad, my degree will be mailed to me in three to four months, and I start grad school in January.

Never let anybody tell you what you cannot do. Even yourself. You are much stronger than you think you are.