There have been many influential women in my life, the most obvious being my mother. Then there are the ones that I never thank enough, the ones who played a role just as important, the ones who shaped me and guided me through my teenage years, the silent heroes who never asked for recognition and cheered me on from the side – so here's to my very own group of wonder women.

When I turned 13 my dad left the picture; it was hard for me not only because I loved him and the bond we shared but because my mom became the head of the house and I was her main supporter. Growing up I was never taught gender role, but it wasn’t hard for me to understand that my dad was the leader of our family. He called the shots, and my mom never argued. I thought this was a healthy normal relationship, and it wasn’t until my dad was gone that I saw my mother blossom before my eyes into a strong, independent, motivated and persistent woman. These values were instilled in me and my views on the female role have never been the same.

One of the main things my mother taught me, was never to rely on a man for support. Emotionally and financially –– I could do it all on my own. My mother did remarry, and she keeps those values to this day. It’s nice to have a partner to watch you grow and succeed, but you do not need a man to be happy and successful. My mother is the most independent woman in my eyes, and because of her, I won't be left with nothing when a man in my life decides to leave.

Along with my mother, my best friend is one of the women I took a lot of traits from. My best friend is hard-headed and stubborn; when she is right she is right, and when she is wrong she is still right. My best friend has a heart big enough to love the entire western hemisphere, and yet she is careful with who she gives her love to. She is smart, but not just the smart you learn from books. My best friend is the type of smart you become once you have experienced many of life's battles. My best friend has taught me that it's often necessary to do what it takes to make you happy, even if what makes you happy doesn't make sense to others. My best friend is the most selfless woman in my eyes.

Another one of the many silent heroes in my life is one of my advisors from high school. I never thought I’d make it to a four-year university. I never thought I’d be the first person in my family to go to college here. I never thought I was strong enough to take a risk that could result in disappointment -- and then there she was. My advisor did her job, but she did so much more than that. She took the time to get to know me, to listen to my story and why I wasn’t sure of myself, and then she made it her mission to change everything. She gave me a new found confidence and got me to believe that I could do anything I put my mind and heart to. because of her, I am working towards a dream that’s bigger than me. I owe her so much more than I’ll ever be able to give her, but I know that being the way she is, she'll settle for an endless supply of hugs.

The truth is there are so many women in my life who have helped guide me through life, these are only a few. It’s pretty neat to have my very own wonder women, shining their lights on me.