Greetings! This is my first time posting in this community well am glad and hope to be welcomed.
I remember the day my sister mentioned her graduation fee with vivid clarity. We were sitting in the living room, chatting about her upcoming graduation ceremony, when she casually mentioned the hefty fee she needed to pay to receive her degree. My African mom, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, suddenly sprang to life, her expression a mix of shock, disappointment, and frustration.
"Aiwa!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. "How much?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she awaited the answer. My sister hesitated, knowing she had stumbled into treacherous territory. "Mom, it's...it's a lot," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
My mom's rebuke was swift and stern. "What is the purpose of all these fees?" she asked, her tone laced with skepticism. "Can't they just give you your degree without draining your account?" She shook her head, her eyes flashing with disapproval. "These schools are just after money, money, money. They don't care about your future."
As I watched the exchange, I realized that my mom's reaction was not just about the fee; it was about the harsh realities of life. She had sacrificed so much for our education, and the thought of her hard-earned money being spent on what she saw as frivolous fees was unacceptable.
In that moment, my mom's rebuke was a wake-up call, a reminder that life is full of challenges and disappointments. But it was also a testament to her unwavering commitment to our well-being and her determination to prepare us for the harsh realities of the world.
Thank you for reading