My greatest reward is seeing the hard work of parenting pay off with giggles and smiles from my little one. I am a first-time Mom pursuing a PhD and I often wonder if I am doing enough to positively impact in my little one's life. However, every day I witness a happy growing baby. To be a Mom is a blessing, and I am thankful to be a protector of his smile. I fuel his curiosity and happiness with undivided quality time. We read books, take walks, and explore new places and activities.

I will never forget the day my son was born. Leading up to my 38th week of pregnancy, I was told that I was not able to have spontaneous labor because of low amniotic fluid around my son. I scheduled an induction date but I felt the movement of my son slow down rapidly. I continued to return to the hospital until they accepted me. My placenta became slightly abruped because of doctor negligence, and I remember staying calm to keep my son calm internally. He was born healthy 16 hours later.

I will start a college savings fund for my child and put money towards my student loans. I am a first-generation college student and grew up in a low-income household. I would not have made it this far in my education without my Mom, who put part of my undergraduate student loans in her name. Finding the money to buy books, technology, other resources for class, and participating in leisure activities with my college mates was a hardship. I want my son to have an even more fantastic experience!