Generational wounds have a way of igniting a fierce motivation.

For years, one woman’s family was called “low class” and “uneducated,” but she decided those labels would end with her.

With every sleepless night and perfect grade, she built a wall of achievement so high her overly-critical family would have to look up at her instead of down.

Read on for the inspiring story.

DEGREE BURN

My relatives (mother’s side) called my mom stupid, no class, low life and uneducated.

She said she gave us spoiled food that even dogs don’t want to eat, and accused her of treating my late grandmother and my uncle like dirty beggars.

They said this just because no one on my mother’s side graduated college — they didn’t have any money before.

All of their cruel words only inspired her to do better for herself.

So I promised myself to take one of the hardest courses (Architecture).

I aced my classes, didn’t get pregnant (because they told me to just find a husband and start a family), graduated with the best thesis on my own, and am now a licensed architect.

I want to make sure they won’t look down on us anymore.

Now, all of her achievements have really paid off.

I want to remind them that the “uneducated, no class” mother and grandmother now have a licensed architect in the family and are actively practicing the profession.

I will rise higher to make my grandparents in heaven proud.

I will make sure my degree burns their ego.

She wasn’t going to stand by and let them insult her any longer.

What did Reddit think?

This woman has really done well for herself.

She should really feel proud of what she’s accomplished.

Her successes would really make her family proud.

Living well really is the best way to get back at someone.

In the end, she didn’t fight back with words — she fought back with excellence.

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