So many of us parent the way our parents did – because it’s the only example we’ve had a chance to see up close. We think one of the ways to remedy this is to create a space where people can share stories of the things they feel their parents did right, so we can all learn from those examples.

Eray Zhang

Looking back on my growth journey, I would never have achieved what I have without the support of my parents. At the time, my interest in fashion design came as a sudden surprise to them. On a flight back to China from the United States, I found myself unable to sleep and accidentally stumbled upon the Project Runway channel on the plane’s TV. I never would have guessed that this brief 13-hour would change my life’s plans from that point on. After I explained my idea to my parents, they were confused as to why I had suddenly set my sights on that particular goal, but still supportive of my dream and began searching for the requirements and ways to apply to design schools abroad. Today, I am still grateful to have such open-minded and supportive parents. If they had not agreed to my studying fashion design or sent me to study abroad in the United States, there would be no me here today, taking this interview. Read more>>

Leah Cox

When I reflect on the many lessons my parents taught me, one stands out as particularly transformative: they taught me to have faith. Some might call it risk-taking, but to me, it was always about faith—faith in God, myself, and in the process of life. Growing up, my parents were a constant source of encouragement. They didn’t just talk about the importance of hard work and trusting in God; they lived it. My father, a dedicated pastor, and my mother, along side him and an incredible mom, both worked tirelessly but always found time to nurture my creative ways. They believed in the power of God and instilled in me the belief that with faith, anything is possible. Read more>>

Jada Greene

My parents have always encouraged me to explore my interests, whether through enrolling me in various arts programs or supporting my decisions to continue, switch, or quit something that no longer aligned with me. Their unwavering support has profoundly shaped who I am today as both an artist and a business owner. One moment that stands out is when I was struggling to choose a major in undergrad. I entered SUNY Binghamton as a Business major, thinking it would provide long-term stability. However, I soon realized that the math requirements were a major obstacle for me. After much thought, I decided to return to my true passion: the arts. I called my parents and explained my decision to switch to Graphic Design, even though it meant adding an extra semester to my studies. Despite the additional time and costs, they fully supported me, reassuring me during what was a stressful time as I approached my junior year. Their response gave me the peace of mind I needed to follow my passion. Read more>>

Jamie Nadler

My parents did many things right, but two values they instilled in me stand out: hard work and the courage to dream big. Growing up, they taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. My mom worked her way up to the executive suite and demonstrated that anything is possible with hard work and resilience. This value motivated me to give my best in everything I did in school, sports, and beyond. When I think back, I remember when I was struggling with something in school. I was never alone in dealing with it; we would figure it out together. My mom would spend countless nights with me, re-teaching herself geometry or pre-calc so we could work on the concepts together to make sure I was most prepared. I truly learned hard work and the power of persistence from being with her side by side. My mom showed me that mistakes were not failures but rather learning opportunities. As a result of the late-night studying and editing, I was instilled with the confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to. Read more>>

Abigail Wagner

Let me start by saying my parents and I do not have a perfect relationship. It often feels like we are on different wavelengths in many ways. I have gone through many mental journeys to reach our current relationship, and I’m curious to see where it goes as time passes. Despite our differences, they have always supported my creative soul. Some key lessons I learned from them include: ~You can do whatever you want as long as you have a plan. The plan can change, but you need to have some sort of direction. ~Going to college won’t guarantee anything. ~Treat others how you want to be treated. Read more>>

Miranda Writes

My parents have raised my brother and I with unconditional love and the incredible delusion of being confident in whatever/whoever we want to be. When people hear the word “delusion” the initial reaction may be perceived as negative but it’s not. I love this quote by Christian Nestell Bovee – “No man is happy without a delusion of some kind. Delusions are as necessary to our happiness as realities”. It’s a powerful sentiment that in life we get so caught up in our daily lives it’s easy to place our wildest dreams on the back burner out of fear and contemplation of what’s attainable. It takes that inner spark, that inner fight, that inner “delusion” that no matter the odds somehow you’ll find a way to win. My parents have always fully supported my music career and thanks to them I’ve made memories of a lifetime and have had the chance to see the world. Love you Mom! Love you Dad!!! I keep pushing because of you. Read more>>

Who Fresh As Fitz

My Mother and Father Homeschooled me up until High school. Even though it was different not being around a ton of kids, it developed a direct and personal approach to my learning. It gave me and my Brother the opportunity to travel and seek creative outlets on a daily basis. It opened my eyes to Music and Art and flourished my love for them in a huge way. Read more>>

Leah Christina

My mom was definitely one of a kind. I was taught right from wrong at an early age. I was shown by example to be humble and to always remember where you came from, because it can all be taken away in a split second. Also that no matter what, family comes first. At the end of the day, money isn’t going to be there for you, family will. It’s made a difference on my perspective of life and my career because it’s helped me stay grounded. I was never spoon fed. Everything I’ve done has been earned. Knowing that there is always going to be someone better than you, makes me strive to do best, eager to keep learning to be the best but also to write history. My family has been there a lot for me with modeling, I would compare myself a lot to the other girls because they were skinnier and taller. I acknowledged that nobody wanted to hire a 4”11 model with a booty. Read more>>