This Girl Is One of 8 Siblings in a Family That Grew Up in Poverty, Sometimes Had No Electricity, and Stood in Line for Free Lunch Tickets
Growing up in a family of eight siblings, I quickly learned that life wasn’t about what you had—it was about how you survived with what you were given. My family didn’t have much, but we had each other, and that was sometimes the only thing that kept us going. Our house was small, crowded, and often dark when the bills piled up, leaving us without electricity for days at a time. There were nights when we huddled together with candles or flashlights, telling stories just to feel less alone in the dark.
Our kitchen table, where we shared meals, was often empty or filled with the simplest foods—beans, rice, whatever we could stretch for the week. My mom worked long hours to make sure we were fed, but even then, there were times when we had to rely on free lunch tickets to get by. Standing in line with other kids, clutching those tickets in my hand, was a humbling experience. But it was part of our reality—something we had no choice but to accept.
The hardest part wasn’t the hunger or the lack of things. It was the constant feeling of being different from the other kids at school. While they wore new clothes and had shiny shoes, we were lucky if our clothes weren’t hand-me-downs from neighbors or thrift stores. I remember feeling self-conscious about the holes in my shoes or the patches on my jeans, but I quickly realized that pride could come from within. If I couldn’t control my circumstances, I could control my attitude.
But despite the challenges, there were always moments of joy that made the struggle worthwhile. My siblings and I found creative ways to entertain ourselves. We would play games in the yard, make up stories, or sing together to pass the time. Those were the moments when we felt rich—not in money, but in love. We took care of each other in ways that few families do, knowing that we were all we had.
My parents, especially my mom, taught us the importance of resilience. “You may not have everything the world tells you you need,” she’d say, “but you have your family, and that’s everything.” Her words were a constant reminder to be thankful for what we did have, even if it wasn’t much.
As I got older, I understood that those tough years shaped me into the person I am today. The hardship taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of a close-knit family. I learned that even in the darkest times, there was always something to be grateful for—whether it was a warm meal, a roof over our heads, or the love of the people who surrounded me.
Now, as an adult, I look back at those years not with resentment but with a deep sense of gratitude. My upbringing may have been tough, but it gave me a strength and empathy that continues to guide me. I am proud of where I come from because, despite everything, we made it. We survived. And that, in itself, is an achievement.
