Member-only story
Don’t Tell Me I’m Lucky; I Was Working Hard When You Were Sleeping
Ever since I grasped the enormity of the sacrifices my parents and aunt made to provide me with a quality education and everything else in life, I became conscious of every choice I made. This realization ignited a flame within me — a drive to work harder, to stay determined, and to leave a lasting mark. I knew from that moment that I had to create a difference for the incredible opportunity that was given to me. And so, I often distanced myself from the crowd, choosing instead to pave my own path, even when it was lonely.
From the beginning, I was clear about certain fundamental truths. First, I understood that nothing in life should ever be taken for granted. Opportunities are fleeting, and life is unpredictable. You have to make the most of what you have, because nothing is promised or permanent. Everything could change in a moment, and that uncertainty is precisely why we should be grateful for every blessing and privilege we receive.
Second, I realized that there are no shortcuts in life. Everyone who achieves greatness does so through relentless hard work and perseverance. You have to put in the hours, the sweat, and the dedication. There is no easy way around this truth. Every success story you hear, every person who has reached the top, has done so by putting in hard work when no one was watching…
