Mamta Rodrigues TP in the USA
Manesha Leo TP in Guyana
My mother is an inspiration to me. Born in a small village in North India and raised in New Delhi, her family story is one of hardship following the partition of India and Pakistan. Despite numerous challenges, she and her siblings thrived as adults. After leaving everything behind and mov- ing to the US, my parents encountered a world unfamiliar to them. As immigrants, they boldly moved to the US and raised four children. They instilled values from the East and West, reminding us of our heritage through language, food, culture, and celebrations. While both my parents have profoundly influenced me, my mother—the heart of our home—embodies all that I aspire to reflect: strong, kind, influential, and above all, loving. Her selflessness and dedication to her children continue today as a grandmother. She taught me the essence of motherhood and demonstrated grace through her actions. Her love, patience, and guidance have shaped me into who I am today. From small gestures to monumental sacrifices, there are countless things she has done for me that I will forever be grateful for. Now, as a mother of two teenagers—a daughter of 18 and a son of 16—I am reminded of my mother’s love and strive to give more of myself to my children. I am curious, brave, and confident because I want to be a role model for my daughter, showing her that intelligence and boldness are admirable. In difficult situations, I want her to BELIEVE she CAN succeed. For my son, I aim to exemplify what a confident woman is so that he always respects the women around him and appreciates their intellect. I also want to show that balance is what you make of it, but happiness in both professional and personal realms is in your hands. You own your destiny, your identity, and who you become. Every day, I learn from those around me and from my children, who make me a better mother and professional. I am a reflection of my upbringing and heritage, and I have my family to thank for that.
Growing up, I never had the chance to build a relationship or share a journey with my biological mother because she committed suicide when I was just four years old. It was a traumatic experience that I witnessed but have overcome. I spent my life moving between different foster homes and living with family in various regions, always searching for a better life. Even though it was tough, I never lost hope. I grew up calling my aunt, my father’s sister, “Mommy,” and I still do to this day. She played a crucial role in helping me become a better person; she motivated me to aim higher and encour- aged me to share my story to help others who may have experienced similar struggles with suicide. I am happy to be part of this great family at TP, where I can continue to grow and become a better role model for my younger siblings.
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SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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