Hopefully, no one has forgotten Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday, May 8. While some moms prefer a gift and others do not, a majority can agree they love some kind of appreciation on their day. My dad and I are pretty dysfunctional and my mom always gets gifts late or not at all, but we make up for it with a nice meal at her favorite restaurant. I love Mother's Day because it gives you an excuse to take time out of your busy schedule to spend time with your family. This year, I took a second to reflect on the advice my mom has given me and all the times she's let me figure things out on my own. I'm extremely stubborn and she knows that all too well because I get it from her. Learning from my mistakes, if I were my mother I'd tell myself a few pieces of wisdom.

I grew up driven and independent. My parents were there to help when I needed it, but I naturally did my own thing the majority of my childhood. I have never been very athletic, so school projects and assignments always took a priority and I was encouraged that if I got good grades then I would go far in life. In high school, I was given the opportunity to do more than just sit in class. I joined the dance team, ran multiple clubs, worked two jobs, performed in theatre productions and sang in choir in addition to staying on the honor roll for four years. I loved everything I did but by senior year, I was really overwhelmed and I made it through by the skin of my teeth. I wasn't able to give my 100 percent to everything I wanted, and I disappointed some people along the way that I wish I didn't. I still love being involved as much as I can now in college, but I'm a bit more hesitant to make sure I know I can handle something before I jump into a new project, club or position. If I were my mother, I'd tell myself that stretching yourself too thin is not leadership, it's stupidity.

I've only been alive for a short 18 years, so there aren't that many things that I regret so far. One moment that has always stuck in my head was when my little brother graduated from preschool when I was about 13 years old. I argued with my mom about going to the ceremony because I wanted to go out to dinner with my friend and her family instead. I told her I would go to his kindergarten graduation, which he never had, but she let me go to dinner anyway. I regret this moment because I missed a part of my little brother's life that I'll never get back for someone that I am not even friends with today. This isn't an isolated situation either, I have prioritized others over my family more than I should have plenty of times. Sometimes my little brother drives me insane and my parents and I don't see eye to eye, but I don't regret the time I spend with them like I do the time I don't. If I were my mother, I'd tell myself that sacrificing time with your family for friends or boyfriends is not worth it.

I didn’t grow up with the people I went to middle and high school with and that put me at a disadvantage with friendships. I worked hard to associate myself with a group I thought I fit with. I faded in and out of this group throughout high school. In the end, we were not that good of a fit and I walked away from them at the end of senior year. The summer following was transitional for me because I could see the light in the tunnel ahead, which was college. I was very blessed in September to meet my roommate who is also my best friend. I have had the opportunity to surround myself with people that I know are with me for the long run. There is no trap in the college that you can only be friends with the people that are in your classes. You have complete control to find those that are there for you and you for them. I’d like to say I have done a great job so far finding those people. If I were my mom, I’d tell myself that not everyone is worth your time and effort.

Lastly, Bryant is highly focused on innovation. The entire school is centered on group projects, competitions and being a trailblazer. This atmosphere can make you feel like everyone is being successful and groundbreaking, but you. I love the attitude of being the best you can be, but I often wish Bryant emphasized the importance of failure more. The mistakes I have made have forced me to grow, and I would not be the person I am without them. You can’t be a leader without some bumps along the way, but Bryant frequently glorifies the one-stop path to success. Your accomplishments are just as influential, even if you weren’t the first to do them, and I think that is sometimes overlooked on this campus. If I were my mom, I’d tell myself that innovation is important but consistency is better.

Many would say these are all common sense knowledge, but it has taken me some time to figure them out. I can admit, I'm a handful. I'm stubborn and normally a mess, but I have people who love me and that’s all I need. My mom has taught me a lot but has let me sweat it out too. For good reasons, I believe the lessons learned on your own are the ones you remember the most.