In my lifetime I’ve come across many different people who have shared a piece of their souls in my formation and left their marks on me. I look to people who have had an impact on my life and who I know on a personal level. One person who has and continues to greatly influence my life is my mother: Cassandra Rena Hil, a mother, a daughter, and a Christian. Since my childhood she has taught me so much. She never really taught me lessons, but has led me by example.
I know that raising a child can be overwhelming for any working mother and father; however, it is significantly all the more difficult task when there is only one taking on the responsibility. I commend every parent who can manage taking the job of trying to do the best that they can in order for their child to have a good life. I can say that I speak with knowledge, having female relatives and my own mother who are independently taking on this duty. This has been one of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to face, but it has had a positive effect on my life. I for sure have seen my mother do all she can to make ends meet; she’s always wanted better for me. She’s worked hard to make sure I am supplied with everything I need.
At a young age, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t do things with the other kids like play little league sports and other activities. As I got older, things began to change. When I was 11, my mom quit her job at Honda Manufacturing so I could be involved in activities I wanted to participate in. After observing my hardworking mother and the sacrifices she made, I knew I wanted to be successful and would do whatever it took to be just that . I knew it would be something I would have to strive and work hard for in order to reach this goal.
While most people would probably see my upbringings in a negative way, I know that being brought up in a single-parent home has had a positive impact on my life. I thank God every day for putting me in the position to be brought up this way and for blessing me with her as a mom. My mom has taught me my worth as a person. I’ve learned not to waste my time on people or things who don’t benefit me in a positive way. She doesn’t let people treat her any kind of way, and I’ve taken that lesson to heart. She has exemplified how to be independent and how to remain strong when times get hard. Most importantly, she has demonstrated that hard work will take me far and that all things are possible when you confide in God. I know that without a doubt if I can ever be half the mother she is, my children will be fortunate.
