My difficulties only make me stronger and more courageous. The first of the difficulties is the language; we immigrated to the United States 5 years ago from Eastern Europe. My husband and I still do not have stable jobs or education. My husband is unemployed, and I am in a college program of study and work. I study hard and think every time I will finish my studies and get a job, but my studies continue and continue.

My family is getting bigger every year, this past year I gave birth to our third girl. Naturally, there are more worries as our first and second daughters are in school. We must pay for them and we have to work or look for work, what there is. We have to dress and feed them.

Do not forget about our beloved selves, we need to take care of ourselves and please ourselves with delicious donuts and our favorite coffee; there is no talk about this, for now, it is in my dreams. It does not hurt to dream!

The most difficult thing is paying for rent, food, and electricity bills.

My goals include completing all the courses and transferring to the bachelor’s program then on to a university. Who knows if I have the strength left to get my doctorate? To be a happy mother and be active in teaching my children and their development, so that my children do not need anything.

My most important goal is to find a job that will suit me where I can support, protect and develop my skills to help my family.

I am moving towards my goals, I hope that in the future my dreams will come true. Congratulations Marina…an award well deserved!