By Joanne Su Chan
Editor-in-Chief
From a young age, I knew my mom was a superhero. While Wonder Woman and Supergirl had superpowers and iconic costumes, my mom embodied a strength far greater than any fictional hero could ever dream of. She didn’t need a cape or a lasso of truth—her love, resilience and unwavering determination made her unstoppable.
Many nights, I woke, confused and groggy, to find the kitchen light still glowing. Curious, I would peek down the stairs to see my mom sitting alone, surrounded by a sea of papers, sticky notes and her laptop. Her posture exuded a quiet determination as she pored over her documents. At the time, I didn’t understand what she was doing, but I could sense the weight of her commitment. She wasn’t just working; she was pouring her heart and soul into something that mattered.
As I grew older, the pieces fell into place. My brother Nathan, who has Down syndrome, required a specialized education plan to meet his unique needs. My mom spent those late nights at the kitchen table preparing for his Individualized Education Plan meetings, ensuring he had access to every resource necessary to thrive alongside his peers. She wasn’t just reviewing documents; she was advocating for my brother’s future, fighting to ensure he was given every opportunity to succeed.
Her dedication didn’t end with paperwork. She spends countless hours taking Nathan to therapies and appointments, supporting his growth. Watching her give so much to ensure Nathan could flourish showed me the true meaning of selflessness and determination.
Her unwavering commitment to my brother’s well-being motivates me every day to work harder and strive for more. My mom’s actions taught me that hard work isn’t just about personal success—it’s about using time and energy to lift up those who need it most. Whenever I push myself to achieve my goals, I do it with her in mind. She’s shown me that effort fueled by love and purpose has the power to change lives. Because of her, I don’t just want to work hard—I want to make a difference, just as she does every day.