This one is for all the dreamers who never saw their dreams succeed because they sacrificed for family and began to work in a time of need. This one is for you. You who paved a path for education to the highest level for your children even though you knew the system cheated you. This one is for all the mothers who lived on a penny never knowing where their next meal would be coming from, but no word in their vocabulary started with, “ME,” or “I.” This one is for the fathers who chose to stay despite the odds knowing some battles you lose and some battles you win. The fathers who taught their sons what it means to truly respect a woman, cherish her, and love her, not with words but by example. This one is for all the dedicated, educated, hardworking, legacy leaving 20-year olds who learned how to make it on their own. You are strong. You are brave. You’ve faced the world, but the world isn’t through with you yet. Never let the fear of the future keep you from living in the moment of today because you never know if you have tomorrow. Love yourself except for when you’re an idiot, then learn how to move on and do better next time. You’ll get fired. You’ll get an F. You’ll have a broken heart. This world is cruel. But, find the people who are worth your time and effort because they will bring out the real you. And that is who you deserve to be. Lastly, this one is for everyone who told me I wouldn’t be here today. Here I am.
Xo,
-Esther Marie
