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The Woman Who Shaped Me!

Weekly Topic: Do you have a role model in life?

Cindy Colijn

In the picture, you can see me on the left, my mom in the center, and my elder sister on the right.

When I think of a role model, the first person that comes to mind is my mom. She’s not just my parent—she’s the heart and soul of my inspiration, and hands down, the strongest person I know.


Growing up, it was just the two of us. My mom, a single mother, faced a world of challenges, but she never let any of them defeat her. Instead, she turned each obstacle into an opportunity for growth, showing me what real resilience, hard work, and determination look like. No matter how tough things got, she never complained. Her words were always filled with gratitude—reminding me to appreciate what we had and never take anything for granted.


One of the most powerful lessons she taught me came from her own life experiences. She once gave up her degree for love, believing in a future together. But life threw her a curveball when she faced divorce after years of dedication. Our family was torn apart—my sister went to live with my stepfather, and I stayed with my mom. Starting over was no easy task, especially with no career to fall back on. But my mom didn’t back down. She built her own small food shop from scratch, pouring in the time and effort to support us. Watching her rebuild her life with such strength left a lasting impression on me.


Through everything, my mom showed me the importance of being strong and independent. She always encouraged me to believe in myself, to stand tall, and to keep moving forward no matter what challenges I faced. Her perseverance and strength have shaped me into the person I am today, and I carry her wisdom with me in everything I do.


Now, as a tutor, I’m driven to pass on those same lessons to my students. I want to inspire them to believe in themselves, work hard, and never give up on their dreams—just like my mom inspired me.


Do you have a role model who’s had a lasting impact on your life? I’d love to hear your story!

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This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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