I was born as a simple girl, brimming with dreams and aspirations. Growing up, I excelled in academics, and the future seemed bright with endless possibilities. I was the kind of student who stood out, earning recognition for my efforts and showing promise in all areas of life. My childhood was filled with hope, with a belief that nothing could stop me from achieving my goals. But life has a way of surprising us, often in the most unexpected ways.

When I got married in my early 20s, I believed it was the beginning of a new chapter—a chance to build a family and share a life with someone I loved. But what followed was nothing short of a nightmare. For three long years, my marriage turned into a battleground. The man I had married subjected me to extreme emotional, physical, and mental abuse. Each day felt like I was walking on a tightrope, always uncertain of what the next moment would bring. His violence left me broken—physically bruised, emotionally shattered, and mentally exhausted. Yet, in the midst of this torment, I found myself still clinging to the hope that things could improve. I loved him, and I kept believing that love would heal the wounds and make everything better.

However, it wasn’t just him; his family was equally cruel. His mother would degrade me, my family, and my very existence. She would use the most vile language to insult me, calling me ugly, unworthy, and uneducated. My parents, who had always been my strength, were constantly humiliated. It was as though they were part of my punishment, blamed for the life I had ended up with. Their words crushed my spirit, yet I endured it all, hoping that love would somehow overcome this constant barrage of pain.

The turning point came when I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter. As I felt the first flutter of life inside me, I knew something had to change. I could no longer stay in this toxic environment and expose my child to this darkness. The presence of my unborn child gave me a sense of strength I had never known before. I realized that I had to break free, not only for my own sake but for hers as well. So, with trembling hands and a heart full of fear, I left. I left everything behind—the man, the family, and the life I thought I would have. I found refuge in the safety of my parent’s home, and from that moment, I promised myself that I would do whatever it took to give my daughter a better life.

Though my parents gave me shelter and support during this time, I refused to rely on anyone else. I knew I had to make my own way, no matter how difficult it would be. I never sought financial help from my ex-husband or anyone else. The burden of raising my children, of providing for them, fell entirely on my shoulders. With my baby only two months old, I took the first step toward independence by finding a job at a local college. It wasn’t easy balancing work with single motherhood, but I was determined. Every time I looked at my daughter, I was reminded of why I was doing this—to build a future for her, a future free of fear and pain.

There were times when I faced challenges that seemed insurmountable. Living away from my daughter, who stayed with my parents while I worked in a different city, was heart-wrenching. I missed her so much that it felt like a piece of me was missing. But I knew I had to keep going. Every sacrifice I made was for her well-being, and with each passing day, I grew stronger.

However, life continued to throw obstacles in my path. As a single woman working and living on my own in the city, I became a target for certain men who saw me as vulnerable. They believed that because I was living alone and earning my own money, I was an easy target. They assumed I had no one to protect me, that I was someone they could exploit. Their advances and their attempts to take advantage of my situation added layers of hardship to an already challenging life. But I refused to be broken by them. I refused to let anyone take away my dignity, my self-worth, or my drive to succeed.

As time went on, I believed that remarriage might offer me the protection and stability I so desperately needed. I married again, hoping for a fresh start, but soon realized that my decision came with its own set of challenges. While I was not physically beaten, the verbal abuse and constant criticism from my second husband’s family were just as damaging. I thought that by giving birth to his child, our bond would strengthen, but instead, I found myself taking on all the responsibility of raising our child, just as I had before.

When my son was born, life seemed to get even more difficult. He was diagnosed with autism, and my world felt like it was crumbling once again. My second husband disappeared, leaving me to care for our son on my own. This was a turning point, one that forced me to dig deeper into myself than I ever had before. I refused to let the diagnosis defeat me. I sought therapy, education, and every possible intervention that could help my son. I educated myself about autism, learning therapy techniques and counseling strategies. I realized that I could make a difference in my son’s life and, by extension, in the lives of others who were facing similar struggles.

I began offering free counseling and therapy to other parents raising special children. Despite my financial strain, I dedicated myself to helping others without expecting anything in return. The love I received from my children, especially my daughter’s unwavering support, kept me going. My daughter, despite the tumultuous past, grew into an intelligent, strong young woman. She excelled in her studies, and her success served as a constant reminder of what was possible when one persevered, no matter the challenges.

Throughout my academic journey, I faced roadblocks that made me question whether I would ever achieve my goals. A degree that could have been completed in three years took me twelve years to finish. Life continuously through obstacles came my way, and each step forward seemed to be met with resistance. There were moments when I wanted to give up, when the weight of my responsibilities seemed too much to bear. But I kept pushing forward. I earned my PhD in management, a symbol of my resilience, my perseverance, and my determination.

In 2025, I will be recognized as the “Outstanding Woman Researcher” in Portfolio Management. This recognition was a milestone in my professional journey, one that validated every sacrifice, every sleepless night, and every challenge I had faced. But more importantly, it was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, to the power of never giving up, and to the grace of divine support that had guided me along the way.

Today, I stand as a proud mother, an academician, and an example of what resilience and perseverance can achieve. My story is not just one of survival; it is a story of triumph. It is a reminder that no matter how dark the night, there is always dawn. With courage, determination, and faith, one can rise from the ashes and build a life filled with purpose, meaning, and hope.

Looking back on my life, I realize that every hardship, every setback, and every challenge was part of a greater plan. The difficulties I faced taught me invaluable lessons, and they shaped me into the person I am today. I may have faltered at times, but I never gave up. I always found a way to rise, no matter how many times I fell.

I hope that my story serves as an inspiration to anyone who is facing their battles. Life may not always be kind, and the road may be long and difficult, but the strength to overcome adversity is within each of us. When we choose resilience, hope, and belief in ourselves, there is no obstacle too great to overcome. We are capable of far more than we ever realize, and we can rise from the ashes, just as I have, to create a life filled with purpose, joy, and success.

This is my story, and it is one I share not just to recount my struggles but to show others that no matter how hard life gets, the strength to endure, to rise, and to succeed is always within reach.