There are moments in life that permanently shift your mindset, moments that define your drive, purpose, and vision. For me, that moment came during one of the most painful seasons of my life, when I saw my mother break down in tears because she couldn’t afford to pay my school fees. That single moment changed me forever and planted the seed of my determination to succeed, no matter what life throws at me.
It was a rainy Monday morning, and I remember sitting quietly in our living room while my mother argued with a school administrator over the phone. Despite working tirelessly, she just couldn’t keep up with the rising cost of everything. After the call ended, she sat silently for a few seconds before bursting into tears. I had never seen her cry like that before, not from pain, not from hunger, not from any hardship we had previously faced. At that moment, something shifted in me. I made a vow to myself that I would rise above our situation, not just for my sake, but for hers. That was my “I must make it in life” moment.
From that day forward, I began to take life more seriously. I became more disciplined, more focused, and more intentional with how I spent my time. I started studying harder, seeking opportunities to grow, and aligning myself with people and environments that pushed me to do better. That memory, the image of my mother in tears, became my fuel. Any time I felt like giving up, I would replay that moment in my mind, and it would push me to keep going.
This experience didn’t just teach me responsibility, it also gave me perspective. I learned that success isn’t just about money or fame—it’s about being in a position to change your family’s story, to give back to those who sacrificed so much for you. That realization has shaped my values, guided my decisions, and inspired my long-term goals. Now, everything I do is driven by a deep desire to make life better for my loved ones and to ensure that no one I care about has to experience that kind of pain again.
My “I must make it in life” moment wasn’t just a turning point, it was the beginning of a new version of me. A version that is resilient, driven, and determined to create a future that honors the sacrifices of the past.