Sometimes, I had to manage both the late-night and early-morning shifts. Occasionally, I also had to work many hours of overtime to cover for staff who suddenly took leave.

Those were incredibly busy days, but the experience became a valuable asset to me.

Our cleaning staff included a diverse range of individuals, from elderly workers to housewives, each with their own circumstances. Elderly staff members, despite their excellent cleaning skills, often had to quit because their bodies could no longer keep up.

In the break room, I heard part-time housewives with young children struggling to adjust their shifts.

It was around this time that I began to think about starting my own business. I wanted to create a better working environment for the staff. I wanted to support people’s lives through cleaning.

That was my motivation.

“Michelle, well, you are really suited for this job. You work diligently and notice even the smallest details.”

Encouraged by an older colleague’s words, I began studying management. During breaks, I read articles for entrepreneurs, and on weekends, I attended management seminars.

Gradually, my dream of starting my own business took on a concrete shape.

Meanwhile, Kevin, who had reached middle school, was fiercely pursuing his goal of becoming a doctor. He was always at the top of his class at school. His desk was perpetually stacked with textbooks and workbooks.

However, our family finances were tight, and we couldn’t afford to send him to tutoring. Kevin dedicated himself to his studies desperately. He arrived at school earlier than anyone else, and after classes, he stayed behind in the library to study.

On weekends, he was at the State library from the moment it opened.

“Kevin, you’re working so hard every day. You’ll surely become a wonderful doctor,” my mother’s words were filled with both pride and a tinge of sadness.

I was just as desperate during his high school entrance exams. The high school Kevin wanted to attend had a slightly higher academic standard, but I didn’t want him to give up.

“Don’t worry. I’ll support you with all I’ve got,” I told him, buying him reference books with my own salary.

I also secretly bought him snacks when he seemed tired. On the eve of the exam, I stayed up late with him, calming his nerves.

“Michelle, what if things don’t go well tomorrow?”

“Don’t worry. You’ve done enough, Kevin.”

The joy of finding his examination number on the pass list on announcement day is still vivid in my memory. Kevin hugged me, crying.

“It’s all thanks to you, Michelle. Thank you so much.”

At the age of 25, I resigned and finally decided to start my own company. I had saved $330,000 from my part-time jobs and as an employee, desperately accumulated over the years.

I went around to banks with my business plan, but none took me seriously.

“The cleaning industry has too low an entry barrier.”

“There’s too much competition,” they said.

“Starting a business as a woman is still seen as a risk.”

These words nearly crushed me repeatedly, but I did not give up.

My first job was through an introduction from an older colleague from my part-time days. It was routine cleaning at an elementary school where her friend worked. The salary was low, but this was the start of my company.

“Miss Brown, you clean so meticulously. We’re grateful to have you here.”

The vice principal’s words led to the next job. It was office cleaning for a company owned by the PTA president.

I worked alone from early morning till late at night. During the day, I was on site. At night, I handled accounting and sales. There was no time to rest, but every day was fulfilling.

One late night, while cleaning an office, a young employee who was working overtime approached me.

“Miss Brown, it must be tough working so late every day.”

“No, I’m happy to be of help to someone.”

That conversation led him to introduce me to clean his company’s office.

Gradually, I began to receive more jobs and became busier. I was able to hire a few employees, and the company was doing well.

Then one day, a fateful call came.

“Michelle, I got into medical school.”

Kevin’s excited voice came through the phone. His dream had finally come true.

“Kevin, I’m coming right away.”

After receiving the call, I couldn’t stay put. I rushed to the university during a break at work. The moment we found his name among the accepted students, we hugged and rejoiced together.

However, our parents’ expressions were complex.

“Medical school tuition is over $50,000 a year,” my mother’s voice trembled. “We can’t afford that.”

“I’ll pay for it,” I blurted out without thinking.

The company was doing well, but sourcing such a significant amount every year was not easy.

“Michelle, that’s too much for you,” my father said, concern etched on his face.

“It’s okay. I want to do everything I can for Kevin’s dream.”