In 1987, my mom drove a rust-colored Renault Encore that was about as reliable as a paper umbrella in a storm. It was small, unattractive, and constantly breaking down. I was at that age where embarrassment was paramount, so I made her drop me off a block away from school to avoid the humiliation of being seen in it.
Being financially strapped meant that taking the car to a mechanic was out of the question. One evening, after yet another frustrating day with the unreliable vehicle, she stumbled upon an infomercial for DIY auto repair books. Determined to take matters into her own hands, she ordered the set.
That summer, my mother transformed into a self-taught mechanic. She learned how to change tires, perform oil changes, and even tackle more complex repairs like reattaching the emergency brake and replacing spark plugs. By the end of the season, she had saved that old Encore from the junkyard so many times we wondered if it would ever die.
Just before the new school year kicked off, she received exciting news from the university—she had been selected for an interview from a pool of applicants for a temp-secretary position. This job could ease our financial worries. The university was a 25-minute drive away, and the question loomed: would the Encore make it?
The day before the interview, my mother practiced typing drills on our electric typewriter. She quizzed herself on taking dictation, preparing meticulously. A neighbor lent her a classy navy dress and beige pumps to ensure she looked the part.
On the morning of the interview, she rushed us through breakfast and dropped me off at school earlier than necessary to avoid traffic. I spent my day sharing sunburn stories and catching up with friends, but I couldn’t shake my worries about my mom.
That evening, when she returned home, she recounted her day. She arrived at her interview 15 minutes early and left a good impression on the HR representative. The interview lasted an hour, and it seemed like everything went smoothly. They asked her the usual questions about her experience and future aspirations—all things she had prepared for.
After the interview, she walked to the parking lot, only to hear the Encore making a dreadful noise. The muffler had fallen off. Without hesitation, she removed her borrowed heels, grabbed a floor mat, and got down on her knees in the parking lot to make a temporary fix. The HR lady noticed her struggle and approached, offering assistance. My mother graciously declined, stating, “That’s very kind, but I can handle this. It just takes a bit of grit and tenacity.” Remarkably, she was hired on the spot.
Months later, the car finally gave up for good, but I was never embarrassed by my mom again. She taught me that perseverance and resourcefulness can turn even the toughest situations around.
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In summary, my mother’s experiences taught me the value of self-reliance, determination, and the importance of facing challenges head-on.
Keyphrase: Lessons in resilience from my mother
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