What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

For me, it's watching my kids become who they're meant to be because I fought for them. Seeing my daughter stand up for herself at work, my son advocating for a friend getting bullied - that's me in them, but stronger. They tell me I gave them proof that broken things can be rebuilt. That look when they say "thanks mom, I got this" - knowing they believe in themselves because I believed hard enough for all of us when they were little. That's my reward.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

That your kids are always watching, even when you think they aren't. Mine saw me cry, saw me exhausted, saw me studying at 2am - but they also saw me get back up. I used to think I had to be perfect for them. Now I know I just had to be real. They didn't need a superhero. They needed to see that strength isn't about never breaking - it's about refusing to stay broken. That's the lesson they carry, and the one I learned too.

What would you do with $20,000?

First, I'd breathe easier knowing my kids' future is more secure. Then I'd expand my candle business - not for me, but to hire other moms escaping abuse who need flexible work and someone who believes in them. I'd also start a small scholarship for single immigrant mothers pursuing degrees, because I know that $500 textbook can be the wall that stops everything. And maybe finally take my kids on a real vacation, somewhere they can just be kids without worry.