When I was growing up I always knew I had a strong mother figure to look up to, but it wasn't until I got older I realized how strong she really was. It took me nearly till I reached twenty to finally see how strong and independent I have grown up to be, and to that I thank my mother.

I was always taught to show a strong presence while being confident in who you are. This especially came to be true when facing a heart break. I was never the girl to cry in public or try to gain attention through a break up, instead looking at the positives and realizing that a boy who was capable of making me cry wasn't worth my time. Having this mindset got me through all the rough teenage years and all the problems that accompany them. It also gave me a very low tolerance to people in my life who take me for granted, which made me very selective in those who I allow to be in my life. This has allowed me to be surrounded by many amazing people. Anytime I was faced with a struggle the tools my mom gave me were what got me through them. She taught me that you have to be secure in who you are and never fall to the peer pressure of others. One of the biggest things I was continually told as a kid was, “Never be a follower, always be a leader.” That quote has been one of the best things I have ever been told. Once I took those words to heart it allowed me to really start my growth in becoming a strong women, a confident women like my mom.

I have never been babied or told false compliments to make me feel better, instead told to make changes if I didn't like who I was or what I was doing. It would have been easy for my mom to just tell me what I wanted to hear to make me feel better in the moment, though it took the real strength behind her parenting to tell me what I needed to hear for the future. She was setting me up to make goals and go out and achieve them, to want things and go out and work for them until they become a reality. At times I would get extremely frustrated that I wasn't getting that sense of pity that sometimes you search for when you are upset, but looking back at it and I wouldn't of wanted it any other way. The tough love is what prepared me to succeed in life, and have the confidence that I will succeed.

It's easy for a parent to just want to be your best friend and make you happy, but it takes a great parent to tell you the things you don't want to hear, therefor helping you grow and learn to solve problems. Of course I love my mom, but what I can say even more is that I respect her and that I am thankful for the up bringing that I have had. Sometimes my life hasn't been easy but I wouldn't of changed anything about it. I have always gotten complimented on how I carry myself and the presence that I have, if I wasn't raised with strict parenting who knows if I would still be who I am. And I am proud of who I am. Mom thank you for everything you have done thus far in my life, and I know you will be there to help me continue to grow. To anyone with a strict mom do not take it for granted, instead realize how strong a mother has to be to do so and that it will only benefit you in the long run.