Under the hotel lobby lights with the dreams of children from other provinces

“Mom, I got 5 A's. Are you good at it?”

The voice of a young cashier sounded in the convenience store. While I was sitting in a corner sipping coffee That voice didn't speak to me. But it was loud and clear enough to catch my attention and cause me to turn and look. He was calling his mother with a voice full of joy. The other end of the line probably smiled widely and proudly

Just a short sentence, but it warms your heart without realizing it

It takes me back to one day...when I was still a student who had to study and work, not because I wanted to show that I was better than anyone else. But because I don't want to be a burden on my family. I know that everyone has their own duties

I used to work the night shift at a hotel in the middle of Chiang Mai. At that time it was not as lively as today. That area is around Nimman. which has now become a center for tourists and many chic cafes

At that time, the job was to receive late night check-in guests in two- to three-star hotels. Such hotels often provide opportunities for students to work nights. Because you don't have to pay as high a salary as regular employees. And we are ready to do it. Because it's a good opportunity. Get both experiences Learned responsibility and, most importantly, earned money to lighten the family's burden

But what I still remember to this day is the kindness of the hotel owner. Even though I started as a part-timer. But because we intend to work and try to learn everything The owner saw that diligence. And in the end, the wages were paid and the salary was the same as the regular employees of the hotel. Even though I still haven't graduated

These things are not just about money. But that is acceptance. It's a way of saying, "I see, that was intentional," and that's what makes us feel grateful and always remember

during work shift If there are no guests staying I will spend time reading under the lights in the lobby. Or sometimes I spend nights secretly resting my eyes under the counter. If a guest comes, I get up to receive them, hand over the keys, smile, and then go back to reading.

If you don't work that night. I will read books at home. The house didn't have a good, luxurious writing desk. The ironing board was a temporary reading table. Read until 3:40 a.m. and then fell asleep. Wake up early to take the exam. Do this repeatedly until you graduate

That tiredness...it's heavy some days. But every time I got a good grade It felt like I received a prize. It's like a voice in your head saying, "We can do it."

Life of people from other provinces who come to study in the city. Everything must come at a cost. From food expenses, living expenses, travel expenses, asking for money from home is not an easy task. The only way is to try as much as possible on your own, studying at the same time, working at the same time, it can be tiring. But what I got back was a very valuable life lesson

I sat and looked at that cashier and smiled with understanding. You must have been through quite a bit as well. Working in a convenience store is not light work at all. But still able to study well like this Deserves sincere praise

His co-workers also teased him for fun.
“When you're finished, you can go, son. Don't come around here.”
Laughter rang out. Nong also smiled shyly before walking away from work that day

I was sitting there. Smile along. It's not just about the younger sibling. But it is a story of many people who are trying to follow their dreams. Even though you must be tired Even though there are obstacles But every effort is always valuable

Sometimes inspiration doesn't have to come from a big stage. Or the words of someone famous
Just ordinary words in a convenience store... can awaken the spirit on weekdays to make us stand up and fight again as well.