Who are you Today, and Who is to thank for your Success?

We are the product of sleepless nights, constant exhaustion and a never-ending cycle of worry and pain.

We have grown on shoulders of giants, not needing to start from scratch. 

We are who we are today because of one leading factor.

Who are you today, and who is to thank for your success?

Stephen King, a world-famous author who sold more than 350 million copies of 54 published novels; 

Michael Jordan, a professional basketball player, Olympic athlete, businessperson and actor; 

Richard Branson, a billionaire business magnate, investor and philanthropist who reins more than 400 companies. 

Who do they owe their successes to?

“My mother was a reader, and she read to us. She read us Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when I was six and my brother was eight; I never forgot it.” - Stephen King

“My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind.” - Michael Jordan

“[My mother always taught me to] never look back in regret, but to immediately move on to the next thing.” – Richard Branson

There is a certain beauty to the way these successful people describe their mothers, there are lessons they learnt since they were little yet still carry with them throughout their successes. Mothers have a way to be with us every step, somehow aiding our successes before we know the extent of our future achievements. We became and will continue to become because of them.

Who are you today, and who is to thank for your success?

I am Reem Benshams, a Bahraini youth, who may have not achieved as much as Stephen King, Michael Jordan or Richard Branson, but has grown and with that growth is closer to achieve all she aspires.

From my first talent show as a 6 year old, where I was too afraid to perform in front of a large audience but was motivated by my mother. My first public speaking competition, where I stuttered over my words but was encouraged by my mother. My first of creative writing competition, where my mother cheered in every award ceremony and bought books when she realized my interest. My first sports day, where she reminded me to never give up and to keep moving. Horse riding; Taekwondo; swimming classes; art classes; Quran recitation. All of which are minor events but large stepping stones in my life. 

These events have given me the confidence to do more and to never be afraid to try new things. Support at every step of the way, and continuous encouragement to explore, this influence has made those minor events lead to major achievements, all of which will be the leading factor to the success in achieving all my aspirations.

A teacher and instructor, and now a mentor and guide, a school I hope to never graduate from. 

Thank you, for the sleepless nights, constant exhaustion and a never-ending cycle of worry and pain.

Thank you for letting us grow on your shoulders, and not start from scratch or begin again.

Thank you for making us who we are today.