So, today something ordinary, yet extraordinary happened.

You hear about the American Dream and you appreciate it, but certain moments that remind you of this American Dream just stick in life.

My family is an average American immigrant family. My mother and father worked minimum wage labor jobs for as long as I can remember, regardless of both having attended college in India. When there is no one to direct immigrants in a foreign country to maximize the potential they have, most immigrants do one thing: immediately figure out a way to simply help their family survive.

Now, my story is no different. We all have parents who work hard, but as immigrants it’s sometimes sort of a different scenario. From translating tax forms and insurance bills at the age of 10 to your parents, to applying for college and dealing with financial aide issues, its not the easiest thing to do. However, with great pride and respect I would do it again and again for them.

Today I was shadowing a doctor in my local hospital to test the waters and see what the profession is all about. During the middle of the day, I walked into the cafeteria with the doctor to grab lunch.

This was a hospital cafeteria where doctors and nurses and techs filled the area. There, I saw a short, petite lady with a net in her hair, a black apron on her white shirt and old raggedy shoes. I knew her. She knew me.

With a great big proud smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, she ran over to me and gave me a huge hug. I grinned happily. That was my mom.

While I shadowed a doctor in the hospital to potentially become a doctor, my mom worked for the hospital staff in the cafeteria.

Later that day, I came home and took an hour nap because it had been a long and exhausting day of sitting at a conference table and going on rounds. Later that day, my mom came home from an eight hour shift of pushing around heavy boxes and serving food, and cooked a fresh dinner for my family of six. See the difference?

Immigrants (and non immigrants) like my mom are working hard for their children to attend college and lead a life they wish for their children. I don’t know, but seeing my mom working today hit home, literally.

Whatever I choose to be, the sacrifices my parents made for me won’t ever go to waste. Today I learned that your parents, regardless of their profession, are your biggest cheerleaders and you should parade them proudly in the world. Let them be a cab driver, lawyer, convenience store owner, housekeeper, or a lunch lady, they’re working hard for you to succeed and that type of selflessness is beautiful and should not be taken for granted.

My mummy was my hero, is my hero and will always be my hero.