Breaking Barriers: A Journey of Resilience and Determination

I was born into a story that statistically does not read success. My parents were refugees fleeing a brutal civil war in El Salvador, a war the United States was funding; they met in Los Angeles, California. My mother was just 14 when she had me, and my father was 19. At four years old, my father passed, leaving behind two boys. Leaving my mother to navigate parenthood and life on her own, who later had a third son. My mother is part of the lowest-paid demographic, only earning 57 cents to the dollar in this country. This left us facing immense challenges of poverty on top of single parenthood.

Statistically, we weren't supposed to make it.

Children of teenage mothers are 50% less likely to graduate high school. Losing a parent at a young age increases the odds of dropping out, and growing up in poverty adds another layer of systemic challenges. But statistics don't determine destiny—our decisions do.

I decided to persevere.

Rising Above the Doubts

During my senior year of high school, I remember someone telling me, "Why do you come to school? You won't graduate." Those words were a judgment, a reflection of the low expectations placed on me.

I didn't just graduate; I became the first in my family to do so. From there, I kept going, earning my associate degree at 26, my bachelor's degree at 36, and now, at 37, I'm starting my master's program. Each step forward was a way to prove that I am more than the doubts, the statistics, and the circumstances trying to hold me back.

The Strength of Family

My mom raised three boys on her own after my father's death. She carried the weight of being both a mother and a provider, building a life for us with sheer determination and grit. We watched her sacrifice endlessly, and I will share examples in the future.

Her strength and perseverance shaped my determination. Last year, I helped her achieve a six-figure income through the small business she built from the ground up, and this year, I've already secured contracts to ensure her business thrives again. Helping her succeed is one of my proudest accomplishments because it's a testament to how far we've come as a family.

Transforming Pain Into Purpose

Throughout my life, I faced constant criticism from those who should have supported me. Some voices belittled me, called me names, and predicted my failure. It felt as if those closest to me wished the worst for me.

But instead of letting their negativity define me, I used it as fuel to rise above. I've learned that no matter how heavy the weight of doubt or discouragement, you can use it to build strength. Their words could have crushed me, but they became my determination's foundation.

Redefining Success

In 2021, I became the first in my family to earn six figures. But more than the financial milestone, what matters most is the legacy I'm building for my family. My children are growing up seeing the value of hard work, perseverance, and education.

This year, my oldest will graduate high school and attend the same university where I earned my bachelor's degree and am now pursuing my master's. This moment represents more than an educational milestone—it's a symbol of breaking generational cycles and creating new opportunities for the future.

Your Story Isn't Over

Whatever challenges you face, remember this: Your circumstances do not define you. Your decisions do.

It's not easy to rise above doubt, pain, or hardship, but it's possible. You don't have to be defined by the negativity of others or the barriers placed in your path. You can take control of your story and rewrite it.

If my journey proves anything, it's that resilience, grit, and relentless belief in yourself can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. So, take that first step. Keep pushing forward. Your future is waiting—build it.

You are capable. You are worthy. You are unstoppable.