Poor Kate

I never really came to a state where I possessed all the things I wanted. Even more so, the things I desperately needed. I came from a poor family. I grew up underprivileged and I am taught by my parents to work hard for everything I wanted to achieve and acquire. I never knew we were poor until I was seven years old and my father didn’t have a stable employment. It was not until those series of instances when my mother would wake me from deep slumber, tired from yesterday’s playing and scuttling in the vacant lot that I realized I was not like my well-off classmates. I would be up before five in the morning to help my mother in our small store in front of the public elementary school. I would assist her from tending to cooking, from washing dishes to arranging displays in the counter, from putting the beverages in the refrigerator to wiping tables and chairs. My hands become grubby with dust before I even enter school. My uniform would be stinking with sweat before I fall in line in the flag ceremony. I was always late, always sleepy and always yawning in my classes. This was my morning ritual – a habit which occupied me for ten beautiful years.

I never regret that we are poor, that I came from poor family. I’ve gained more than unwanted muscles, scars, and calluses. They are like maps and trademarks of my conflicts and, of course, my triumphs. I have endured long days and nights to work and study. I’ve taken only inexpensive enjoyment to waste the melancholy away. I didn’t have fine clothes and shoes and bags to gratify my youthful vanity in high school. But I was never shameful of my circumstances.

Magically, I have survived. I had good grades. I maybe not the smartest girl in school but people say, I’m one of the best people they have exchanged thoughts with. I’m no know it all, but I have something to say in almost everything. I am never the center of anyone’s attention but I came to win my friends’ good opinion, or at least that’s what I think. I’ve become mature in so little time – and resources. And with these I thank my socio-economic status that taught me to carry on no matter what.

I’ve used my talents, my understanding and almost every song and book that I have listened to and read to achieve my dreams. Unlike worldly things, these don’t discriminate. These I believe, is heftier than a pile of cash.

I have something to live for. When the coffee ad flashed on the tube saying, “Who do you get up for?” I had my answers right at the back of my head. I get up for my family who I stick up to, my friends who I really thank God for giving me happiness, for happiness itself, for my ambition, for love.

I am born without a silver spoon on my mouth. But I have ambition and it doesn’t give me the license to quit or stop wishing.