Everything I have learned, I have learned with the help of my parents. From tying my shoes, riding a bike, and even driving a car. With Mother's Day right around the corner, it is important to reflect on all the life lessons we have learned from some of the world's greatest teachers– our mothers.

1. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.

If I had a dollar for every time my mother has spoken these words, I would never have to worry about paying off my student loans again. When I was younger, my mother would repeat this motto every time I got into a fight with my little sister and I said something hurtful. I did not realize the truth behind this statement until I was much older and saw firsthand how important it is to have a filter. Some thoughts are better left inside your head. You never know what someone else is going through and words hurt. Speak wisely.

2. Try everything.

From PTA president, girl scout troop leader, real estate agent, catholic school teacher and parent of three, my mother has done it all. It is safe to say she wears many hats. She was never the type of person to have one set career path, but she was also never the type of person to say no to an opportunity because she thought she couldn't do it. Because of her, I have learned that it is better to try and fail, than to not try at all.

3. There is nothing a home cooked meal cannot fix.

Two words: Italian mother. There are very few times when I was ever remotely sad or sick that my mother did not try to nurse me back to health with one of her delicious, home cooked meals. Fever? Chicken noodle soup. Bad day? Chicken parmesan. Moody? Chicken cordon bleu. The funny thing is, it always worked.

4. Be more than a pretty face.

One of my mother's favorite singers is Carly Simon. As a little girl, I was forced to listen to whatever music she was playing in the car and, as a result, one of my favorite songs was "You're So Vain". Although I did not know what "vain" meant as a 5 year old when I first heard the song, my mom made sure to educate me on vanity. From that point on, she made sure that I knew my self-worth should never be defined by my looks. There are so many other things in life to be proud of than physical appearance.

5. Do not expect anything to be handed to you in life. You have to work for it.

Opportunities are not handed out for free, hunt them down and take full advantage. Anytime I applied for a new job, my mother made sure to tell me not to wait for a phone call back, but to call back myself. Don't wait around for opportunity to show up on your doorstep, kick the door open and let yourself in.

6.Trust your gut.

One my favorite traits that I inherited from my mother is my incredible intuition. I have the ability to know when something is right or wrong just based off of a strong gut feeling. While having this great instinct can be beneficial, I am often unsure if I should listen to it or not. However, according to my mother, a gut feeling is something you should put your full trust in.

7. Everything happens for a reason.

As cliche as it sounds, this is my mom's favorite quote to live by, and rightfully so. The universe works in strange ways. Nothing happens by chance. I have usually heard my mother repeat this back to me after something did not go my way– whether it be not getting a job, not making a sports team, or not getting into a certain college. Living like everything happens for a reason is hope that although you may be going through rough times now, things will eventually lighten up.

8. One day, you will turn into me.

My mother and I have had our fair share of arguments and disagreements, but with each passing day I must admit that I am turning into her. I have the same mannerisms, I say the same corny phrases, and I even have the same go-getter attitude as her. With that being said, there is no other person on this Earth that I would rather slowly transform into.

I am beyond appreciative to have been given the mother I was given and thankful for the countless lessons she has taught me. I would not be the intelligent, determined, and caring woman I am today if it was not for her. Happy Mother's Day to my mom and all of the other amazing mothers out there. May we become the inspiring women you all are some day.