Ever since I can remember, I've always been close with my mom. It wasn't until I got to college and was away from her for the first time that I really started to understand and appreciate all she has done for me. After living with my mom for my entire life, I was finally on my own and ready to do things my way. But soon after arriving at college, I began to realize how much she had done for me on a daily basis. I love college, but I also love coming home to visit my mom, finally able to appreciate the time spent with her. As time has gone on and I have adjusted to college, I have continued to become aware of the large impact she has had in shaping me as a person.

She's My Biggest Supporter

As cheesy as it may sound, she's always had my back and been there for me when I needed someone most. From soccer games and track meets to school projects and college applications, she was always there to cheer me on or help me when I needed some guidance. Although I wasn't always aware of it, she put my needs first and always helped me to achieve my goals. She made it her highest priority to come cheer me on at all my track meets, and help support me in school and other aspects of my life when I needed it most.

She Loves Me Unconditionally

Through my teen years I put her through quite a lot of worry and stress at times, but she was patient and understanding, as well as firm and guiding, in a way that helped me to grow and learn from my mistakes. I am so grateful for her unconditional love through both the fun times and the bad, and I feel so lucky to have someone in my life who loves me no matter what.

She Always Has An Answer

From payment plans to politics, to family recipes and more, my mom always has an answer when I have a question. Leaving home for the first time and moving onto college was exciting, scary, and also a huge reality check. Although I like to believe I came into college prepared, there were still many things I realized I had no clue how to do. If it wasn't for my mom only being a phone call away, I'm not sure how I would have survived freshman year without her knowledge of budgeting, setting up payment plans, and the many other logistics that emerge with becoming an adult. I've learned so much about how to "survive in the real world" from my mom, and for that I am extremely grateful.

She's My Shoulder To Cry On

Not only am I lucky to have such a supportive mom, but I'm also lucky to have someone who knows me almost better than I know myself. She knows when I'm feeling down, and isn't afraid to confront me about it. I feel as though I can talk to her for hours about anything or nothing and the conversation never dies. She knows what makes me sad and what also cheers me up. My mom and I have been through a lot together and although it has been hard at times, it brought us closer and gave us the opportunity to understand each other on another level.

She's My Role Model

From graduating with honors to becoming a successful engineer and an adventurous cyclist, my mom has always led the way for me in a positive light. Whether she is aware of it or not, she has been an amazing role model to me through all my ups and downs. Through some of the toughest times my family has been through, she rose above it all and led my sister and I through each struggle with dignity, strength, and wisdom. I can never thank her enough for her support, compassion, and love when times got hard.

Although being away at college has been hard, I believe it has brought my mom and I even closer together. Being apart has given me the time to step back and realize how deeply I appreciate her and everything she has done for me.