Humans of GLISS Blog

Today we bring you the story of Jamal. 

Jamal started working at a very young age. He made the personal decision to better his circumstances and get ahead in life. Despite it being his own decision, he was still a kid and the heavy responsibilities and financial burdens he took on at a young age made him grow up faster than most. 

Jamal recalls feeling overwhelmed at times, but he remained grateful for the ability to work and keep a roof over his head. He did not allow the hand he was dealt to defeat him, he used it to motivate him. He knew that by working hard he was on the fast track to achieving his goals, so he kept his head down and worked. For Jamal, this often meant sacrificing spending time with his friends and doing things most people his age was doing. Despite the sacrifices he had to make, he remained grateful.  

Jamal encourages anyone that is reading this story to begin saving as early as they can. Money is not everything, but life is unpredictable, and having savings to fall back on is a comfort we can create for ourselves. GLISS has provided Jamal with opportunities to keep fostering the future he has worked hard to create. Hard times, good times, and every time in between, Jamal has a lot to be proud of. Sticking through the rough patches in life, keeping focused on the end results, and achieving the goals you set forth aren’t easy, but it’s worth it.