Sometimes in life you forget to appreciate the small things, I don’t take anything for granted. It is not often my mother and I would have the day off since we both work three jobs.

The financial strain is always hovering over my family, whether it's rent, car insurance or constant emergencies. Sometimes I feel like losing my mind. No one understood why I was late to work today. That I have to study when I get home after working a 12 hour shift and I am way too exhausted to hang out with friends. I have to keep up, I can’t make excuses and I have to be perfect. Only having seven days a week is not enough, and only having $400 a week is certainly not enough for a family of five to live off of.

My struggles are my treasures, not a sob story. I hold on to every opportunity. I am a fighter, I refuse to give up. Soon my dream of being financially secure is becoming closer now that I am a junior in college.

No matter how hard things get, I would not have it any other way. I have thick skin and I've learned many

life lessons along the way. The same problems that keep me up at night, ironically is what is driving me to reach my dreams.