When we ponder who truly inspires us, we find that inspiration is typically synonymous with having performed an impactful service to assist us or accomplishing/defeating a daunting or seemingly impossible task. This open note is partially to the woman who has inspired me endlessly and partially to others who reside in the first category.

When I think about the second category though, surviving despite all odds being stacked against you, I think about my mom. On Wednesday, February 27th, 2018, my mom hit an incredible milestone, having survived cancer for six years! Yes, I am aware that you can never be “cancer-free”, once you get this awful and deadly cell disease, it is with you for good, this is why many foundations such as Susan G. Komen’s try to raise money for breast cancer research in an effort to attempt to find the cure for cancer. You can trust me when I say I am under no false illusions in regards to the duration of cancer.

However, having cancer for six years and now having it under control, when it began as one of the highest stages of breast cancer possible that had even begun to spread (to the lymph nodes) is just remarkable to me. Mom, you are the ultimate example of persistence and inspiration and have aided me by example repeatedly in discerning what is of value in life and why, as well as how to fight and persist to accomplish whatever you need to do in life.

If I lacked a role model such as that, I wouldn’t be half the girl I am today, pursuing everything that matters to me and refusing to fail regardless of how many times I might be met with setbacks or naysayers. I am learning, slowly, my own worth and the impact I might (hopefully) be able to impart on this world.

There are times when it can seem dreadfully impossible to persist, but I can only imagine how draining that fight can be when it is for your life. So, congratulations on six years mom, thank you for being a friend, a shoulder to lean on, and an inspiration. I promise we will embark on more adventures soon and have more “unicorn moments”. Cheers!

In this second category, I would like to take a brief moment to acknowledge some of the many other people who inspire me. My great-grandfather, I miss him more than I can ever begin to describe, but he was a friend to me when there was nobody else there and he taught me to love writing and art, I will always carry a profound appreciation for the arts with me wherever I might go.

My sister, Kaitlin, who is by far one of the most talented and motivated people I’ve ever met, she makes me want to keep pushing myself to improve all of my various crafts. My friends from high school (you know who you are), for always keeping me on my toes and keeping me grounded. They have seen me in some of my darkest moments, and that alone is commendable.

Thank you for inspiring me by demonstrating what true friendship and trust is. To my college friends, now and in the future, for helping me work through the stress and reminding me of how capable I am and inspiring me to reach even higher. To all of the teachers and professors who have inspired me in more ways than I can imagine. And to many, many more...