While every situation differs, many students are faced with attending school without the guidance of a mother. If it's loss, like abandonment or death, or just never really having a mother figure in your life, every situation is important and valid, and you are stronger because of it.

It may have begun with missed opportunities like graduation, college acceptances, choosing where to attend school, and preparing mentally and physically for a new path. There was no college tours together or asking for advice; mother-to-child.

It's hard, especially on move in day when you see other students with their mothers. Holidays when you finally get to return home are full of emotions, while friends' arrivals home mean having quality time with their moms; you see it in the posts on social media. Even more so, on days when things get tough, you can't call your mom for advice like your friends can.

While you always can turn to the other supporters in your life like another parent or a sibling, things get heavy and it's okay to feel envious of those who have what you don't. You shouldn't have to hide your loss because other people, they can try and understand or at least listen to your concerns. You never know if you may meet someone with a similar circumstance who might also be struggling with the loss of a mother too.