The Sweet Smell of Victory
Devas Patel had done it again. He stood in front of a mirror like he had done so many times and examined his smile. The boyish charm of his face now possessed a hint of maturity. Devas still could not believe that he was actually wearing a new suit. The breast pocket held the proof of his dream. He had a job offer letter that would pay off all his debts.
He stared at the mirror as if the reflection showcased glimpses of his past. In the mirror, he saw his ill-fitted apron he wore at his first job in the college cafeteria. The hours of mopping and dishwashing followed by the nights of studying had passed like a long winter. He remembered the time he fell asleep descending the steps of the library and fell down to the bottom. He had cried that night feeling malnourished on ramen noodles.
The mirror showed his diploma from MIT and his parents' loud tears. They had chosen not to wear their Western outfits on his graduation day. They wanted to tell every stranger in the graduation hall that their son was a magna laude.
What does the author most likely mean by this excerpt from the passage?
They had chosen not to wear their Western outfits on his graduation day. They wanted to tell every stranger in the graduation hall that their son was a magna laude.
A.
Success only comes to those who work the hardest.
B.
Western outfits do not make everyone comfortable.
C.
People often feel proud of their kids' achievement.
D.
The future of those without education is insecure.