It can be hard growing up with parents who don’t support you to follow your goals and dreams. This lack of support often creates feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Most importantly, the lack of financial and emotional support has a long-term effect.
This is the story of Jenny, a young woman who is forced to pay for her university education all by herself, while her father bragged about giving her financial support, despite not giving her a dime for tuition. Jenny decided to teach him a lesson he would never forget when she couldn’t take the lies he was telling their friends and family anymore.
Ever since she started school, Jenny’s father always told her that all she wanted was good grades. He almost always asked, “Nothing under B, Jenny, do you understand?” which put a lot of pressure on her to do well in every subject.
During her college years, Jenny decided to work multiple jobs in an attempt to pay for her education and escape the pressures of growing up under her father’s supervision.
In contrast, Jenny’s cousin had it much easier because her parents provided for her financially and didn’t want much in return. They gave her plenty of room for personal growth, while at the same time putting pressure on her at times.
At a family gathering, Jenny’s uncle once asked her father about the financial burden of Jenny’s schooling.
He immediately replied, “Oh, that was quite an investment.” He boasted, “A small fortune indeed, but not very good for my daughter!” before proceeding.
Jenny ran out of the room when she heard him say, she couldn’t stand the way he was lying down smiling.
Even though she was silent, she understood that something had to be done about his delusions of being the loving parent he never was.
After a while, Jenny invited her whole family to the graduation. Her father, unaware that he was about to get revenge, was especially glad to be there.
When Jenny’s name was called to the stage on her special day, she moved to begin her speech. Her first words, “I want to thank… ME for working hard to pay my tuition without anyone helping me,” hung like a provocation.
A background screen showed images of him struggling with exhaustion and dirty dishes while working for minimum wage; it was a long cry from the slow college life her father had portrayed to their loved ones.
“I did it every test I passed, every late night and every double shift. Without his help,” she said, pointing to her father.
Jenny’s father ran out.
After the wedding, Jenny’s relatives crowded around her. They had different opinions.
“Darling, we had no idea. Her aunt added with a reluctant smile, “You should have said something.
But Jenny required no sympathy at all. She just needed recognition for her diligent efforts.
“You him, huh?” her uncle smiled and said. “I guess so,” Jenny replied. She said, “But more importantly, I showed up.”
Ultimately, her graduation marked the beginning of a new chapter and served more as a declaration of independence than an indication of her academic success. It also served as an emotional release.
Jenny’s graduation was more than a celebration of her academic achievements; it symbolized her hard-won independence and resilience. By publicly standing up to her father’s lies, she reclaimed her story and claimed to be the architect of her success. That moment was liberating not only for herself but also for those around her who were unaware of the struggles she faced.Â
Her speech resonated with family members and forced them to reevaluate their perception of her father’s role in her life. Jenny’s determination and bravery showed through and many saw her as the strong woman she became. Rather than sympathy, she craved recognition for her hard work, and when she shared her story, she received the recognition she deserved.
This graduation was a big turning point for Jenny. She stepped into a future full of possibilities knowing she could overcome obstacles on her terms. The pressure that had once defined her relationship with her father was replaced by a newfound sense of self-worth. As she moved forward, Jenny carried with her lessons of perseverance and the knowledge that true support often comes from within. Her journey is a powerful reminder that success is not measured by academic honors alone but by the courage to stand up for yourself and embrace your strength.