April 25, 2025
by Noel Santiago Reyes

We didn’t grow up with much. Poor would be putting it lightly. There were times when even asking for new school shoes felt like a crime. But I made a promise to myself back then—if I ever got the chance, I’d change the story. I studied hard, worked even harder, and now I run my own business. It’s not some empire, but it’s mine, and it’s growing.

I want my future kids to have a life where they never have to feel ashamed of what’s in their lunchbox or the clothes they wear. I want them to be proud. I want to break the cycle.

But then there’s my sister. She’s older than me, and she’s chosen a completely different path. She married a man who, if I’m being honest, doesn’t seem interested in working at all. No drive, no plan, no hustle. Just vibes. And she’s kind of slipped into that same mindset—living in the moment with nothing saved for the next one.

Sometimes, they run out of money and ask for help. And I do help when I can, because they’re family. But deep down, it frustrates me. Not because they need it, but because they could be doing something. Anything.

It stings more because I remember what it was like to be that kid who didn’t get invited to things because I couldn’t afford to chip in. I remember the jokes from cousins. I remember pretending I wasn’t hungry when there was nothing at home. I never want anyone I love to go through that again.

But how do you help someone who doesn’t want the same things? How do you protect the future you’re building when your past keeps calling you back?

I don’t have the answers. All I know is I’m not giving up. Not on my goals. Not on my future kids. Maybe one day my sister will want more too. Until then, I’m walking my own road—even if it hurts to leave familiar people behind.