Lately, I've been paying particular notice to the representation of mothers in the media, whether it be in TV shows or in movies. Representations of mothers have been becoming increasingly more diverse and honest, ranging from Naomie Harris' incredibly moving and realistic turn as Paula in the recent and critically acclaimed "Moonlight" to Janelle Monae's warm radiance from her portrayal of Theresa, Chiron's motherly figure, in the same film (if you couldn't tell by now, I really, really, enjoyed this movie). It got me thinking about how much strength it takes to be a mother. They give us so much, and go through so much stress, worry and teen angst. There's this deeper connection, and I really wanted to take this week's article to appreciate my own mom, and everything she has given me since the day I was born.

I think back to times where she, my sister, and I would huddle together in her bed, eating Chinese food leftovers and watching "Fear Factor." I think to times where she would take us driving to see Christmas lights, especially the one house that definitely overdid it, just so we would have something to do that night. I think more recently to times where as we said goodnight, she would reassure me and my anxiety by saying the same three phrases I needed her to, as many times as it took for me to feel like they sounded just right.

So much of who I am comes directly from her, but all of the lessons I've learned haven't been direct lessons, if that makes sense. I have so much love and empathy for people just because of the warmth that she radiates. She has guided me through so many stressful situations, proving to me that everything always works out in the end. It just takes time or patience or thinking of something in another way. Her generosity surprises me every day, when she selflessly sacrifices things to make sure that my sister and I are doing okay. She never complains or asks for anything in return. Through all of the struggle or hardship that our family has gone through, she always makes sure that my sister and I are able to have the same opportunities as anyone else.

I look at the world and at people in a different way because of how she raised my sister and I. She has this sense of humor that teaches you to not care what other people think. She deserves the best and to feel good about herself, because she has constantly made me feel good about myself, and I hope that one day I'll be able to somehow repay her. I am so thankful that I can go to her with literally anything and she will try her best to help without judgement. Because of her, I am finally discovering who I am and what I love to do.

I was so lucky to be raised by two loving parents, who would accept me for who I was at any point, encouraging me to follow what it was that I loved. I write this not only to spread positivity and love, but to encourage everyone to show some random love to their parents, whether it be a parental figure, your biological parent, or another guardian that you appreciate (or even the friend in your friend group that assumes the role of the mom, they deserve some love too). We definitely don't do it enough.

Finally, I think back to the times in kindergarten when I would sing "You Are My Sunshine" to her, and how much she still is.