Growing up, I have always looked up to both of my parents, who were able to not only provide a roof over my head but create a nurturing home within.

My mom, specifically, works longer hours than anyone I know. She got up for work before I did for school, and if she was lucky, returned home in time to make a home-cooked meal. Then after dinner was finished (and scarfed down quickly I might add, she's a wonderful cook), she often worked for hours in her office.

I have been fortunate to grow up in an environment where I see a woman in a position of power within her workplace and not only be respected by her peers, but excel at her position. It is because of her tenacity and drive that I am who I am today.

Admittedly, I am extremely competitive — this comes from a place of motivation and hard work that I see in my mom.

From a young age, I have wanted nothing but to succeed in the way I viewed my parents have, which has pushed me tremendously during school. The time and effort I have seen my mom put into her work, trying to perfect even the most mundane of tasks, is inspiring.

While I agree women often have to work a little harder and try a little harder to get to the same station in the workplace as their male counterparts, this was a realization I came to only as I became more educated. Growing up, I never questioned the gender balance in the workplace, especially in terms of positions of power because it was something that seemed more like an end goal rather than a rarity.

Both my parents have worked to where they are in leadership roles in their respected jobs, which is why I never questioned if I could one day do the same. Our country and its women have made strides for equality in the workplace in terms of pay and treatment — there is arguably much work to be done.

One of the most important things that my mom has taught me is that whether or not a woman chooses to invest time into her career or stay at home, both are respectable decisions that in no way reflect the quality or lack thereof of their role as a wife or mother.

I have seen many opinions regarding feminism, a woman's place, and so on across social media. I think there is a misconception that feminists are against women who prefer to stay at home and be more involved in their family life rather than pursue a career.

I also believe there is a misconception that it is impossible for a woman to pursue a career and successfully raise a family because work duties interfere with family life. I think that both are completely respectable decisions and anyone who says otherwise is not only disrespectful but wrong.

The notion that it is less respectable to stay at home is ridiculous because, for many women, that is what makes them happiest and most fulfilled. Likewise, women like my mom genuinely enjoy working and are still able to raise a family, because working does not mean sacrificing being an amazing wife and mom.

With that being said, thank you, mom.