My mother’s struggle set the stage for her children’s success

Looking back to my adolescent years, I remember how my mother and I struggled a great deal to get along. We didn’t have very much in common and we disagreed on many issues. During one of our arguments, my mom asked me why I didn’t want to be like her. That question really lingered on my mind for a long time. Many years later when I went to college and on the verge of dropping out, I told my mom that I wasn’t college material. She became visibly worried and told me, “Remember, you don’t want to end up like me. You need to stay in school so that when you get married, you will have the confidence to be self-sufficient.” Her advice made complete sense and gave me the final push I needed to get back on my feet.

My mother experienced financial hardship after my parents’ divorce and had to let our home go. She ended up purchasing a small trailer. It was nothing fancy and is was where I grew up. She worked tirelessly to put food on the table; first packing dates and later packaging lettuce where she continues to work till this day. I remember one year she only made $8,000 but she always managed to make the holidays special, and I even had a beautiful quinceañera. My mom has never remarried and dedicated her entire life to raising her children.

Thankfully I’m no longer a rebellious teenager and now realize how fortunate I am to have such a great mother. I understand now that it’s no simple feat to learn a new language, eventually purchasing a new home, and sustaining a family on your own. My siblings and I all attended college and have successful careers and I know my mother is a major part of our success. We wouldn’t have gotten nearly as far without her love and support.

My mom has suffered through a lot of adversity. Nonetheless, she is the finest, most courageous, and hardest working woman I know. I really hope that one day I can explain to her that being like her is one of my greatest accomplishments.

“Successful mothers are not the ones that never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles.” — Sharon Jaynes

Susanna Zambrano is the associate dean for South Yuma County services and adjunct faculty at Arizona Western College. She can be reached at Susanna.Zambrano@azwestern.edu.