Today we’d like to take a moment to applaud the parents who despite many challenges, did they best they could and did right by their kids. We asked folks to share stories of what they feel their parents got right and have shared highlights below.

Henry Wang

Coming from an immigrant family, and being a first generation American, my parents have always instilled the mentality of being grateful and humble for all the little things in life. Understanding that working hard and being intentional with what you put you energy into has allowed me to be focused and maintain the vision and bigger picture in life. Read more>>

Joesephine Lawrence, C.Ht

In the ‘70s, my mom put herself through college and graduated with a degree in biochemistry from a tier-one research university. After some years, she became frustrated with the misogynistic and bureaucratic field, gave away almost all of her belongings, and moved to France to learn how to sew. She taught herself how to sew while working as a governess in Paris. When she moved back to the States, she continued her goals and aspirations of being the best at sewing and tailoring. Read more>>

Dom Raona

My parents set the groundwork for what a community should look like. Growing up my home was always open to my friends and tended to be the central hub for all of our get togethers. My parents were intentional with their relationships with my friends, always asking about their past, present, and future goals. And they managed to do it in a way that didn’t make teenage me embarrassed… most of the time. The point is my parents cared about my friendships and fostered a great environment for them to grow. Read more>>

Dustin Whitehead

Both of my parents were always great about supporting me as an artist. Not only were they okay with it, they believed it was a valuable career to pursue. Read more>>

Kevin Head

 

My parents did a lot of things right, but when looking back, the best thing they did was teach me values, kindness, and a drive to succeed, all by leading by example. I grew up watching my parents work hard in each of their professions, to make it to the top, and also have the time necessary to raise a family, never miss sporting events, school engagements, or anything related to me or my sibling. They have always been very active in church, community fundraisers, and just never say “no” when someone needs help. I come from a very large family, and everyone is just like that. If anyone in the community needs help, my family is always there. I learned from an early age, that you can focus on your own dreams, and goals, without losing sight of everyone around you. Read more>>

Dylan Wirtzfeld

My parents taught me the value of hard work and leadership. My dad has owned a small business for many years worked 70-80 hours a week. Hes never slowed down or lost passion for his business. In factor he has a hard time leaving his business sometime. It’s what inspired me to own my own business today. My dad was also the one that introduced me to the love for health and fitness. When I was in 6th grade I started weight lifting in our basement. So I guess you could say he was one the that sparked my interest in business and health/fitness. My mom also was a very hard worker she worked in human services and was the regional director for a large group home corporation. I saw her work from the bottom the corporation as a direct care provider to the upper leadership and brains of every one of there group home in the central MN area. Read more>>

Joe Acosta

I’d liked to say they did it wrong for me to be the right artist. Alot of hardships growing up alot of growing up fast and seeing the wickedness of the world early. Alot of hardships were brought on by my parents and I had a big chip on my shoulder growing up. Like why me why am I going threw this or why can’t I live like that. But now as a grown man I can honestly say they did it all right. Now that I understands and I am a father myself we make mistakes and sometimes our children are effected by these choices its all about being aware and being present and using those hardships as fuel to become who you always wanted to be. Read more>>

Rickey F. Polidore, Jr.

LET ME BREAK THINGS! There was not a TV, VCR, or Cassette Player safe around me as a budding Artist. The mechanism and secondary artistic products these devices provided was remarkable. Understanding their innerworkings and how there was such a human magnetic field created in their presence. That attraction of life forms to objects, prompts my work daily. Read more>>

Sarah Ngobá

My father is a Puerto Rican farmer who has dedicated his whole life to different businesses and ventures. But the generational business in our family has always been agriculture. From a very young age, I have seen the benefits of giving good customer service to clients and their family members. I have also admire the way my father has transform his business over the course of  25 years.  He is still running his business and still keeps a good face during difficult seasons. Early in my childhood, my father exposed me to different “street” entrepreneurship experiences; like how to negotiate in the marketplaces, show respect to other business owners and their craft, sell your product in different places, and interact with suppliers and buyers. Read more>>

Brandon Washington

My parents instilled in me a strong sense of values and work ethic, which has profoundly shaped who I am today. They always emphasized the importance of being a good person and contributing positively to society. One of their guiding principles was to treat others the way you’d want to be treated and to always lead by example. Read more>>