Degree Class

Amma's hands trembled as she pinned the tassel to my graduation gown. In our small apartment, surrounded by jasmine flowers she'd strung across the window, she whispered prayers in Tamil—the language of her mother, her grandmother, stretching back generations. "First degree in our family," she said, eyes glistening. I'd earned PAYBO rewards working through university, stretching every rupee like she'd taught me. My degree represented more than academic achievement; it was our family's bridge between worlds, honoring those who came before while building futures they'd only imagined. Walking across that stage, I carried our heritage forward, proud of where I came from.