My mom is the most incredible human being on the planet. Over the years, she's taught me more than she'll ever know. However, though she instilled many values in me by explicitly stating them, there are also a lot of lessons I learned by simply watching her. My mom leads by example. Instead of solely telling me what's right, she shows me by exemplifying it herself.

Being in college has allowed me to recognize just how much I've learned from my mom. I intuitively mirror her actions and am so grateful to have such an amazing role model. I can think of no one better to guide me through this crazy journey called life. Here's what my mom has taught me so far just by the way she lives her life.

1. Work hard.

Ever since I was a child, I remember watching my mom stay up late working and refusing to quit until she knew she did her absolute best. Anything my mom does, she does to her fullest potential. I subconsciously became the same way as a result of observing her all these years. One of my favorite qualities about myself is that no matter how tough the situation, I never give up. I owe this to my mom, for she has shown me throughout my life that with dedication and diligence, anything is possible.

2. The sky is the limit.

Nothing has ever been too hard or too far-fetched of a goal for my mom. My mom takes on any challenge that is thrown her way and handles it with grace. She always aims higher, refusing the stay stagnant. Her constant pursuit of success has shown me that I can do anything. Ever since I was young, my mom has shown me that there is nothing she can't do and therefore nothing I can't do as well. I have big dreams because my mom helped me believe that they were possible.

3. Appreciate others.


My mother has always had the utmost gratitude towards her friends and family. She shows people how special they are to her with little gestures like thank-you notes or gifts. Whenever someone does her a favor, she is incredibly kind and appreciative towards them. Growing up watching this, it became known to me that it is important to thank those who are good to you. I am incredibly appreciative because I've watched my mom live an appreciative life.

4. Be independent.

My mom has never needed anyone but herself to get ahead. As grateful as she is towards those who have helped her, she is more than capable of achieving things all on her own. My mom has always made sure that if it ever came down to it, she can fully support herself. I mean, my mom can even fix a flat tire by herself! This has taught me that at the end of the day, the only one I can truly depend on is me (and my mom, duh). I don't need a boyfriend or anyone else to help me reach my goals. I am strong enough on my own.

5. Never doubt your abilities.

I've always had big dreams but my mom has taught me to never limit myself. I remember one time saying, "Someday I want to be city commissioner or have some minor political position." My mom responded, "Why stop there? Why not the mayor? Why not the governor?" This really resonated with me because it served as a reminder that my mom believes in me. I should believe in myself then, too.

6. Respond with love, not anger.

Growing up, my mom and I clashed a lot. We fought about many different things. However, I remember often being left confused because despite me being rude or bratty, my mom continued to show me love. Even if I yelled at her from the top of my lungs, at the end of the day, she was hugging me and telling me how special I was. This showed me that the best way to combat anger is not with more anger, but with kindness. I am quick to react with sass or "revenge", but my mom has shown me that the best way to handle conflict is with love.

7. Stay true to who you are.

Ever since I was a child, my mom has stimulated my desire to be my most authentic, unapologetic self. I never really fit in with the crowd but neither did my mom. She's never cared about doing what's popular as much as she values doing what's right. My mom would never compromise her beliefs to please others. I mirrored that and am now very proud of who I am, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

I can only hope to be half the mother my mom is someday, teaching the greatest life lessons to my children and leading by example. I am so, so eternally grateful to the forces of the universe for gracing me with a woman as strong, beautiful and independent as my mother.

I hope to one day make her extremely proud by being the best possible version of myself. Until then, I will continue to exude kindness and work hard in school. My mom is a huge part of my journey and shares the glory of all my accomplishments. I can't wait to soon help change the world for the better and say, "Hey mom, this one's for you."