“My mother grew up in the inner city, and she didn’t have much. She has always emphasized the importance of getting a degree so that we wouldn’t struggle like her growing up. She’s taught me not to stop until you get it, until you make it. She works so hard trying to pay term bills, taking care of my sisters, my brother and my niece. And she’s always been the type of person to work extra hours so that she can get us what we need. On my behalf, I want to work just as hard, I want to get that degree, and I want to become a physician assistant to help others. But my mother has always inspired me, so I want to do it for her too, and make her proud.”