Lena's days at the public school went on as usual. She was starting to get used to the simple learning rhythm, yet one filled with warmth. Even though the school facilities were not as complete as her previous school, she felt that this environment was friendlier. Her friends were also supportive, especially Sari, her new best friend. However, on the other hand, Lena felt that something was missing.
One night, Lena sat at the small study table in her room. She stared at the ceiling while thinking hard.
"I have to help Father and Mother. They have worked so hard for me, now it's my turn," she murmured.
She remembered how she liked cooking with her mother. Many of her friends at school praised the food her mother made that Lena brought as lunch. From there, the idea of selling food appeared in her mind.
The next morning, during breakfast, Lena expressed her intention to her parents.
"Mom, Dad, I have an idea. What if I start selling food at school and outside school? I can cook with Mom, and then I'll sell it at school."
Lena's mother was surprised to hear the idea, but she also felt proud. "Are you sure, dear? You're already busy studying at school."
"I'm sure, Mom. If I can help even a little with our finances, I'll feel more at ease studying," Lena answered firmly.
Lena's father, who was initially doubtful, finally agreed after hearing Lena's explanation. "Alright, dear. But you must promise not to forget your studies. Education remains the number one priority."
Lena nodded enthusiastically. That very day, she and her mother began preparing their selling plan. They decided to sell rice complete with side dishes such as fried chicken, tempeh, tofu, and simple vegetables.
The First Day of Selling…
Early in the morning, Lena and her mother were already busy in the kitchen. They cooked with great enthusiasm, making sure every dish tasted delicious. After everything was ready, Lena brought the food in a large food box to school.
During break time, Lena opened her food box at a corner of the simple canteen. She put up a small sign that read, "Rice and Side Dishes – Guaranteed Delicious!"
Sari, her best friend, was the first customer.
"Lena, I want to try the fried chicken rice. It smells so good!" Sari said while handing over the money.
Lena smiled. "Try it. If it's good, tell your friends!"
Before long, one by one, her friends came to buy. Some of them even praised the taste of the food.
"This is really delicious, Lena! The chicken is savory and the tempeh seasoning is just right," said one of her friends.
In a short time, all of her food was sold out. Lena did not expect the response to be this good. She went home with a bright smile, carrying the money she earned from selling.
"Mom, Dad, everything is sold out!" Lena exclaimed while showing the money.
Her mother was touched. "Alhamdulillah, dear. This is our blessing. You are truly amazing."
Her father patted her shoulder. "Keep up the spirit, Lena. Dad is proud of you."
After succeeding at school, Lena began thinking about expanding her business. She decided to sell food outside of school in the afternoon. With her mother's help, they prepared a small cart that could be used for selling in front of their house.
That afternoon, Lena stood in front of her small cart while offering her food to passersby. At first, she felt shy and nervous, but her mother encouraged her.
"Don't be shy, dear. You're striving for your future," her mother said gently.
Some neighbors passing by began stopping to try her food. The response was extraordinary. Just like at school, her food sold out quickly.
"Mrs. Lena, the fried chicken is really delicious. Sell again tomorrow, okay!" said a customer.
Day by day, Lena became busier, but she enjoyed every moment. She was proud to be able to help her parents. She used the money she earned to help buy daily necessities and pay part of her school expenses.
At school, her friends increasingly knew her as a diligent and enthusiastic student. They often ordered food from her even before break time arrived.
"Lena, I'll order two portions of fried chicken for tomorrow, okay!" said one of her friends.
"Of course! Thank you for being a loyal customer," Lena replied with a smile.
Outside of school, Lena's food stall also became increasingly crowded. She and her mother even had to increase the amount of food they cooked every day. People around her house began to appreciate her hard work.
"A child like Lena deserves to be an example. Still young, but already smart enough to help her parents," said a neighbor.
Lena was now not only known as a smart student, but also as a tenacious young entrepreneur. Despite being busy, she did not forget her main duty as a student. She continued to study diligently and maintain her achievements at school.
Every night, as she sat with her family, Lena felt grateful for everything she had achieved. She knew her life journey was still long, but she was sure she could get through it all with hard work and support from her loved ones.
In her heart, Lena whispered, "I will keep trying. One day, I will make Father and Mother truly proud."
Every day, Lena became busier managing her time between studying, selling, and helping her family. She knew that all this hard work was a form of sacrifice for her future. Even though she was tired, Lena's spirit never faded.
At school, Lena often brought the food she sold with various variations. She started adding menu items such as potato fritters, sambal, and balado eggs. This made her friends even more enthusiastic about ordering from her. Even the teachers at school began to be interested in buying her food.
"Lena, your lunch is like restaurant food. If you open a food stall, it will surely be crowded," said Mr. Budi, the physics teacher who often bought her food.
Lena smiled shyly. "Thank you, Sir. I just want to help my parents."
Outside of school, Lena's small cart grew even more crowded with customers. Her neighbors began coming regularly, and some even deliberately placed orders for small gatherings. Her mother never stopped praising Lena's hard work.
"Dear, you have made your mother and father proud. Look, even our neighbors are ordering your food for their social gatherings," her mother said while cooking in the kitchen.
However, Lena did not forget that she was a student. Every night, she set aside time to study, even though her body already felt tired. She knew that education was the key to changing her family's fate.
One night, Lena said to herself while looking at the trophy she had won a few months ago. "I must not stop here. I have to keep moving forward. This is just the beginning of my dream."
With an even stronger determination, Lena kept moving forward. She believed that big dreams could be achieved from small steps taken with wholehearted effort.
To be continued…