When I was six years old, they pointed to Lillian, our next-door neighbor, who was working in the field, and said, "Our family never favors boys over girls. Hazel, you are different from other girls. We are reluctant to let you work in the field. We'll sell everything to support your education!"
But they always complained about their own back pain and leg pain, making me voluntarily do hard labor.
When I was sixteen, they used the same trick again. So, I had to study hard for the SAT while working part-time.
I couldn't earn enough living expenses and suffered from severe malnutrition.
When I was eighteen, I became the first student in the village to be admitted to a top university.
They didn't contribute a penny, but gained a good reputation and were praised by the villagers.
Then my parents took the moral high ground. "We are getting older, and your younger brother has not been able to support himself. We don't expect much from you. We just want you to pay his tuition."
The first time I walked out of the village, I was amazed by the tall buildings in the city and felt grateful for my parents' support over the years.
I did whatever they said.