I am very fortunate to have two wonderful, loving parents. Both my mom and my dad have always supported me in everything that I do. I have had friends who aren't as lucky as I am and have difficult relationships with their parents. I live with my mom most of the time and we're very close. Sometimes she feels more like a friend than a mom! Not only do a have a fantastic actual mother, I have many fantastic mother figures. I'm even luckier than you'd think because I am surrounded by supportive, brilliant women who I can look up to and learn from.

I have two wonderful grandmothers. They have been a big part of my life since I was a baby and I wouldn't be who I am today without them! I was also fortunate enough to have a close relationship with two of my great grandmothers before they passed away. It is so wonderful to connect with the older generation within your family, they pass down traditions, stories, and lessons that are invaluable.

I've always been able to get along with my teachers and professors. I've had a few who I really clicked with and they became my mentors and even my "school moms". I think it is always good for students to be find a teacher they trust and get along with because it really makes a difference to have a voice of reason not only at home, but at school. One of my high school teachers that I was close with organized a trip to Europe that I was a part of. Having a woman who I looked up to and felt safe with made the trip feel much more relaxed than I'd ever imagined a school trip could be.

Like most teenagers, I hang around at my friends' houses a lot, usually meaning I'm around their families as well. Many of my friend's mothers have become role models to me and their houses feel like second homes. It is really nice to be able to have a sort of home away from home, but still feel like part of the family.

I suppose what I am trying to get at is that if you aren't like me and don't have a close relationship with your mom there are mentors and role models all around you. It's hard enough being a growing up, but having to grow up without an adult to go to for advice or simply to talk to is really rough. There are always people in your life ready to help you, often right in front of you.