our clothes, she never fails to make sure to either donate the clothes or give them to my cousin to reuse. In addition, my mom volunteers whenever she can. Every winter, she participates in Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan's Purse and fills boxes with toys for children who can’t afford good Christmas presents. My mom is never stingy—she is giving and strives to make other people’s lives better in any way she can. Lastly, my mom perseveres through every obstacle that comes her way and every challenge that she faces. She moved to the United States at age eighteen; as a result, she had to bravely leave everything she had ever known, from her family to her language. The only familiarity waiting for her was her sister, who had already moved to the United States and was living in Kansas. However, in the end, my mom decided to travel to the Big Apple. As she peered out of the plane window, she felt as if this city of lights was truly a place of opportunity. Unfortunately, it was hard in New York City. She ended up living in a friend’s basement, where there was only room to fit a mattress and her few possessions. Nevertheless, my mom persevered and went from job to job, always striving for something better. She steadily worked her way up from
34
a busboy to a hostess to a waitress, from one dilapidated restaurant to a polished one. Even though all the odds were against her, she overcame adversity and found success. Moreover, when my mom moved to America, she only knew the simplest English and had only the barest idea of how to pronounce words. She worked hard, however, and slowly but determinedly taught herself English. She always tried to get better at it. Even today, Mom is still learning more and more about English and is always aspiring to be even better than she already is. My mom is constantly working hard to push through life’s obstacles and sets an example for me everyday just by trying, again and again and again. My mom’s difficult childhood and journey to success shaped her into the person she is today. Throughout my life, she has shown me the power and importance of selflessness, compassion, and determination. Consequently, I always strive to think about others before myself. I try to work hard and to be resilient. I am constantly endeavoring to be like my mom: altruistic, understanding, and strong-willed. Her determination to be better and to be kind to everyone is what makes her my inspiration and my everyday hero.