I became a dad in my sophomore year of college, fresh to America, without my parents nearby or a degree in hand. Yet, I felt ready—not because everything was perfect, but because I was giving my all and truly wanted to be a father. From being on food stamps and hustling to provide diapers and formula, to facing my son Abel’s leukemia diagnosis at age three, I’ve learned that fatherhood isn’t about controlling everything—it’s about showing up, no matter the circumstances.