At 18, I faced a harsh choice: follow my parents’ plan for college or leave home. They wanted me to study business, not art. When I refused, they asked me to leave. I packed my belongings, including my design school acceptance letter, and stepped into the unknown.
Life was difficult at first—working multiple jobs, living in cramped spaces, and surviving on little money. But I dedicated myself to graphic design, taking every opportunity to grow. A small project for a nonprofit caught attention, leading to more clients and steady work.
Eventually, I opened my own design company. My parents, who once doubted me, came seeking my help years later. I welcomed them but made it clear I had built my own path and didn’t need their validation.
That day marked a turning point. I had turned rejection into strength and success, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome doubt.
