Nothing can quite prepare you for the surprises and challenges that come with parenthood. But what Sylvie Duchamp never anticipated is that raising her daughter, Manuela, would impact her in inconceivable ways. Beyond being one of the most rewarding experiences, it has been a source of strength rather than struggle, and a permanent reminder of how to manage our expectations and shift our perspectives to make the most out of every experience.

Manuela was born with a severe developmental delay. At the time, Sylvie was unsure of what the future would hold, and now 21 years later, as Sylvie reflects on her daughter’s condition and what it’s meant to her personally, she says it’s been a blessing. She has a very acute appreciation for life’s fragility. As she puts it, “Manuela is content because she lives in the here and now,” a trait that too few of us practice and would serve us well in every aspect of our lives. “And that’s what makes her my superhero,” adds Sylvie.

Experiencing life through Manuela’s lens is one of constant introspection and self-correction. The notion of not fighting what comes and instead finding ways to work with it. Understanding that every challenge presents an opportunity, or at the very least, a chance for a different approach and a new lesson. The importance of humility, and how accepting there’s only so much we can do to change any given set of circumstances makes us better individuals.

As the mother of someone with  special needs, Sylvie is passionate about empowering people, and she says this is where her personal and professional lives intersect. “We have the ability to change people’s lives, give people access to tools and resources that can help them beyond measure, especially those who are truly powerless.”

Sylvie is the corporate communications lead for Colombia and Central America. She is based in Bogota, Colombia.

#OurPassions Stories: This series is a collection of stories shared directly by employees in the #OurPassions community, an internal employee engagement initiative to celebrate what people are passionate about inside and outside the workplace