I thought I was raising my daughter. Looking back, I think we raised each other.
I lost my full college scholarship after becoming pregnant at 20. I worked, raised my daughter, and eventually returned to earn my degree.
The author had her daughter when she was 20 years old. After giving birth, she lost her college scholarship and had to leave school, causing her parents great disappointment. Despite the setback, she returned to college and graduated seven years later. While raising her daughter, the author realized they both grew into adulthood together, learning and growing side by side.
Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, the author understood her parents' sacrifices to provide opportunities for their family. After her pregnancy, the author felt she had let her parents down by losing her scholarship. Initially, the author struggled to balance work, school, and motherhood, living paycheck to paycheck while providing for her daughter.
Eventually, she returned to college and graduated after seven years of balancing work, school, and motherhood. The author's daughter, Samantha, is now 21, and the author sees them as grown-ups who grew up together. The author's daughter cherishes the simple moments they share, such as reading side by side or catching up on the phone.
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