I was born and raised in a very humble background. Life growing up wasn’t smooth at all. My mother (may her soul rest in peace) was the sole breadwinner of our family. She single-handedly raised me and my siblings with unimaginable strength and sacrifice.

As a child, I often questioned life. I would look at our situation and wonder, “Why me? Why us?” It was difficult not to be consumed by self-pity. But in the middle of all this, my mother remained a strong woman of faith. She never stopped instilling hope in us. Every day, she spoke words of wisdom, even when our lives showed no sign of change.

I still vividly remember her favourite saying: “As for me and my household, we shall serve the living God.” Our home was a house of prayer. If you skipped prayer time, you would certainly get a proper scolding. She taught us to thank God for the gift of life, and to pray in faith for the things we lacked—as if we already had them. It was hard to grasp at the time, especially when we barely had anything to survive on.

She also taught me the power of contentment, sharing, and compassion—even when we had little to offer. These values shaped who I am today.

When I completed my A-levels, I had a conversation with my mother that I will never forget. She looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Fred, I remember the day you came into this world. You came with nothing, and one day, you will leave with nothing.”

That tough statement stuck with me to this day. It is the very reason I choose to live with purpose and compassion—especially towards the vulnerable.

My mother saw the hopelessness inside me as I grew up. But instead of turning away, she responded with love, strength, and empathy. That experience taught me that true compassion is when someone else’s suffering stirs something in you—and you are moved to do something about it.

Yes, living in big houses or driving expensive cars is nice, and many people dream of that lifestyle. But what’s the point of living in abundance when others around you are starving, uneducated, sleeping on the streets—when you are in a position to help?

Sometimes, the smallest act of kindness—a shared meal, a warm word, or a little donation—can create the leaders, artists, or engineers of tomorrow. Everyone deserves a chance to live with dignity. A basic life.

That’s the life my mother gave me. And it lives on through me.