SuperMOM

SuperMOM

By: Ashanti Smith

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, I figured what better way to express my gratitude than to write this article about my Supermom.

My birth wasn’t the start of a Disney fairy tale. My parents were very young when they conceived me, 16 to be exact. Growing up, my mother sacrificed a lot for my future. As an adult, she still makes those sacrifices. I’ve watched my mother put her life on hold simply to provide for my siblings and myself. My mother embodies the words “Strong Black Woman”.

Although my father always fell short of being there, I knew I could always count on her. As a young girl, my mother would always tell me I was worth it. She would tell me to “love who you are. Never be afraid to speak your truth.” It is so important to teach our girls self-worth and respect at a young age, but it’s even more important to provide them with what the world will bring to their table. I always thought “why is she telling me this? I’m only 10” whenever she would hit me with a life lesson, but boy does it all makes sense now.

My mother didn’t just tell me how to be strong, she showed me. Saying “thank you” 100x could never repay her for the sacrifices she’s made for my future. Putting her own career on hold to get me through college, behind on payments to provide for her family, sacrificing it all just for me.
It wasn’t until I was on my own, miles away from home that I realized how strong she was, she’s superwoman. I could never repay her for all that she’s done for me.

Winter of 2018 I will be finished with college and ready to take on the real world ready more than ever. Her example, guidance, support and hustle has molded me into the woman I am today so for that, thank you mom.
You are and forever will be my superwoman.