When growing up, we are often asked the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Our answers ranged from one spectrum to the other as we grew older. Anything from a astronaut to a TV reporter to a princess could come out of our mouths, and person who questioned us would just smile and nod.

We grew older as we planned our dream jobs and lives beyond our younger years. Our career path, interests and plans changed. Soon enough, we were in college and naturally forced to think and make decisions regarding our lives. What college were we going to? What are we going to major in? Do we want to be married or be in a partnership someday? Will you want children, if so how many?

Say you go to college, land that dream job, find your spouse, and decide to have kids. Anywhere in your plans, did you ever consider being a mom as part of that job you always wanted? Being a mom is a full-time, unpaid position. You are not only "mommy" to your children, but you're also their lunch lady, maid, personal shopper, and much more.

I am biased, but I believe my mom is one of the greatest people to ever walk the Earth. She's smart, savvy, beautiful, and the epitome of a role model for me. Watching her as I grow up, molded me into who I am today and who I hope to be when I become a mom myself.

Mom, I hope to be like you and always have a positive attitude. It not only brightens up my days, but it also brightens up the days up people around you. Whether it is someone you sat next to at mass to one of your co-workers, you leave wherever you go a little brighter. It also makes any task easier to accomplish and wipes the gloom out of our lives.

Mom I hope to be like you and be steadfast in my faith. You have always let God naturally guide your path and you faithfully follow Him and his plan. I still struggle with that, and I hope someday I can do the same. Thank you for telling me to "keep the faith" when I waiver away and encouraging to believe in God's plan for me.

Mom I hope to be like you and hold the belief that family is everything. Yes, all of us can bicker and fight over the stupidest stuff, you always preached that family is everything and I should be thankful for now. It may have taken me so many years to appreciate it, but I know now family is truly everything and I will be preaching it your grandchildren someday.

Mom I hope to be like you and spread your love wherever you go. You're always wiling to go the extra mile for not only your kids, by doing simple things like dropping something off at school for the hundredth time, or offering to drive someone's kids to school you are willing to help someone else out.

Mom I hope to be like you and have an open mind. You never questioned about my interests and hobbies. You never wondered why I randomly wanted to take a new class, perfecting a new skill. Yet, whenever I looked out at the crowed, you were sitting front and center, smiling.

Mom I hope to be like you and be just as determined as you. I would ask you for sometimes unattainable things; you made it work somehow. You saw challenges as an opportunity, and made them yours. You were determined in your personal challenges, but you also let God in them. He was a key provider in your determination, making you only stronger.

Mom I hope to be like you when I am cooking for my family someday. I never have left the table hungry, and you always send me anywhere if enough food for me and about 10 extra friends. I hope to make cooking an effortless task while looking flawless as you.

Mom I hope to be like you and keep your style. I am so proud of your fashion sense; I have trained you well. I always have one of the best dressed moms at any event. It makes my day whenever you send me a picture of what you're wearing, and asking if it's okay to wear. You're beautiful no matter what you're wearing, but keep the pictures coming and keep buying things I can also wear. I like that.

Mom I hope to be like you and look as beautiful as you at your age. You're honestly a dime. Your smile, your sweet soul, fun personality, and love for life encapsulates you. When people tell me, "wow you look just like your mom," I take it as the biggest compliment because I pray I look as good as you someday. You always told me beauty on the inside is what counts, but lucky enough for me I have a loving mother who is both stunning on the inside and outside. You are so gorgeous, and I am blessed to inherit my looks (and hair) from you.

When I grow, I am still not sure what I want to be. I am only a freshman in college at the start line of life. Everything is new and exciting; nothing can slow me down right now. As I look into the world with wide eyes, I think I know what I want to do, but hey that could change within a month. Now, a plethora of different paths is set before me, but whatever path I choose... Mom, I hope to be like you.