My mother is extraordinary; she's a superwoman, like so many other single mothers who are out there.

The importance of education plays a huge role.

The expectations that others place on us help us form our expectations of ourselves.

Life's impermanence, I realized, is what makes every single day so precious. It's what shapes our time here. It's what makes it so important than not a single moment be wasted.

The common bond of humanity and decency that we share is stronger than any conflict, any adversity. Fighting for your convictions is important. But finding peace is paramount. Knowing when to fight and when to seek peace is wisdom. Ubuntu was right.

Fighting for your convictions is important. But finding peace is paramount.

The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my story could have been his.