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.
William Spivey
My Mom was the one that got me into Tennis! It was a family sport so it was natural that I learned, however what is remarkable in particular are the sacrifices that my Mom made to get me and my sister to and from tennis – for a large part of my childhood she was worked a 7 days on 7 days off schedule- 70 hour weeks at the hospital from midnight to morning! During that same time she went back to college, finished her Doctorates in Pharmacy – with honors and remained always present at tournaments and matches, How she was able to do that all, and the grace with which she accomplished everything is truly remarkable! My Father instilled a strong sense of justice, toughness, and loyalty, this was an ever present part of his character, as he was worked in some of the most dangerous areas of Durham in the late 90s as part of the Crime Area Target Team (CATT Team). As I have gotten older I have an deep appreciation for the lessons he taught me. Read more>>
Cynthia Rausch
My parents raised us with a hard work ethic and a love for people and the Lord. They started our family band when I was 14, I started playing guitar and writing music for our band at 15. Their love for music and their love for us, shaped my heart and my career ambitions. Personally, success to me isn’t how famous I am, how much money I make or how well my music does on the charting platforms. Success is measured for me like it was for my parents, how many lives did I touch. Not just with my music, but with my everyday way of life. I want people to know they are loved. My parents taught me how to do that. Read more>>
Liz Jakubisin
Being the daughter of a military man has shaped my life in ways I never imagined… My dad’s arrival in Mexico as an American soldier was a defining moment in my life. His discipline was awe-inspiring; from punctuality to commitment, everything he did was infused with a dedication that constantly inspired me. Through his example, I learned that discipline isn’t just about following rules, but about being consistent in our actions. This lesson has empowered me to face my own challenges with confidence. He always encouraged me to do things to the best of my ability. Every day, I strive to apply these values in my life, knowing that discipline is the key to achieving my dreams. Read more>>
Jerome Chang
My mother has always been proud of not being that over-doting mother who had to walk their child down the street to the bus stop when we were still in Taipei, Taiwan. She would let my brother and me out the front door when we were only 4 and 6, then watch from there. We moved to New Jersey a year or so later. My brother and I would take these summer classes at an elementary school, then by ages 9 and 11, walk ourselves 2/3 mile down to the town pool for our separate swim lessons, and then later, walk across a very busy street to our parent’s Hallmark store to get lunch or lunch money. Often, only one of us would get lunch money. Looking back, this taught me to be independent and resourceful…to forge ahead with confidence, just like my journey as an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Rivka Rothstein
I got lucky, my parents did many things right (they also did plenty of things wrong, as all humans do!). I think one thing that has certainly impacted my career and adult life was how highly they valued risk taking. “In the greatest risk lies the greatest reward,” they would tell me. I think they emphasized this for me in particular because I was quite risk averse as a child. I was scared to hurt myself both physically and emotionally, and I was afraid to fail. This resulted in me being rather withdrawn. I realized by the end of high school that this way of being was not helping me live a fulfilling existence. I made a point to take more risks – to an extreme degree, in some cases! I never became an adrenaline junkie, but I did move across the ocean by myself at 22 to live life in a foreign city with no network, no friends, no structure, no reliable plan, and not very much money in the bank. Four years later, I moved back home with a career path to pursue (my voice over business), fluency in a foreign language on my resume, confidence in my ability to make it through any challenge, and a lot of important (and tough) life lessons under my belt. Read more>>
Travis Mcashan
My Mom – From the start, my mom was my biggest champion in all things creative. Whether I was building with Legos, sketching, reading, or tinkering with computers, she made sure I was supported and well-equipped to explore my passions. Beyond just encouragement, she was intentional and goal-oriented—teaching me early on the importance of setting intentions, dreaming big, and writing down my goals. Thanks to her, I learned not only to dream but also to make those dreams a reality. She modeled what hard work looks like and showed me the power of commitment. My Dad – My dad taught me to live with integrity, to treat others as I would want to be treated, and to work hard in all things. A creative himself at heart, he understood the responsibility that came with being a provider, and he embodied that role fully. He helped me understand right from wrong and the importance of making sound decisions. Working alongside him outdoors taught me the value of perseverance, service, and honest, hard work—lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life. Read more>>
Bernice Cohen
My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic. We had many chores growing up; for example, we woke up at 5:30 AM to feed the horses, clean the stalls, and ride before walking to school at 7:30 AM. They also fostered a deep sense of family and community. Every Friday night, we celebrated Shabbat, the Jewish tradition of honoring the Sabbath with a family dinner. This commitment to building both family and community taught me the importance of putting others before myself. In addition, my parents encouraged a love of learning and personal growth. They insisted that we speak German at home, and they pushed us (sometimes against our will) to live in various countries. I was born in Berlin but spent four years in Paris, one year in Japan, one year in Spain, one year in Italy, three years in Austria, six months in Israel, one year in South Africa, and two years in New York City. These experiences helped me develop a broad, global perspective. I am particularly grateful to Israel’s existence, because without it, my father would not have been able to escape Nazi Germany, and I might not be here today. My parents also instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to protect the vulnerable. My father was a Holocaust survivor, and my mother lived through Nazi Germany. I am a passionate supporter of Israel; without the ability to go there, I believe I wouldn’t be alive today. Read more>>
Ragasudha Eripilla
Growing up, my parents, especially my mom, laid down invaluable foundations that have shaped my life and career in profound ways. Two specific things they did stand out, as they provided me with skills, resilience, and confidence that have stayed with me. Firstly, my mom encouraged us to take part in a wide range of activities and competitions from a very young age. Whether it was singing, dancing, debating, or participating in fancy dress events, she made sure we had opportunities to get on stage and present ourselves. At the time, I didn’t realize the impact, but these experiences helped me overcome stage fright early on, instilling a comfort and enthusiasm for public speaking and presentations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” The confidence to speak and present ideas effectively became a tremendous asset, enabling me to take on leadership roles and connect with others more naturally. Secondly, my mom fostered a strong sense of independence and self-belief. Rather than handholding us through every challenge, she encouraged us to explore the unknown and solve problems on our own. As author Paulo Coelho put it, “The ship is safest when it is in port, but that is not what ships were built for.” This freedom to make decisions and tackle issues independently created a foundation of resilience and self-confidence. Read more>>
Morgan Huelskamp
I am very lucky to have been born into the family I have. My parents did a wonderful job supporting me and believing in me in everything I did growing up, and they still do in my adult life. I knew I wanted to be a chiropractor at 14 years old, and I don’t remember them ever questioning my choice or pushing me toward a more mainstream healthcare field. When I was a sophomore in high school, they even planned a family trip to Marietta so I could visit Life University, and they did the same when I was a junior in college for Life Leadership Weekend. I owe them everything. Read more>>
Anannya Bhagwat
There are countless things that my parents have “done right” but one thing that stands out is the fact that they told me I could do and be anything. My parents had (and still have) immense faith in me before I even knew what self-belief was. It’s because of them that I was able to move from a city in India to the United States to pursue my education. It’s because of their relentless belief and faith in me that I was able to pursue my Master’s degree and get a job in one of the worst job markets ever. One thing that my dad (Baba) taught me is to never react. He’s taught me to listen to understand and not to respond. He’s taught me that the power of non-reaction and the power of silence can make you a stronger individual. As for my mom (Amma), she taught me the power of positivity and perspective. She’s taught me that everything in life is a decision from your perspective. You can either ask “Why is this happening to me?” and cry about it OR you can ask “What is this trying to teach me?” and learn from it. If it wasn’t for my parents, I wouldn’t be the self-assured, confident, secure person I am today and this not only reflects in my personal life but also in my work and creativity. They’ve never put me in a box. They never set any limits on me and always taught me to dream bigger than I can even imagine. That’s what they did – and still – do right. Read more>>
Jaelen James
My parents have had an enormous impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the way they exposed me to diverse cultures and new experiences. Growing up, I was the quirky, fun-loving kid with lots of friends, and my parents created a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, keeping us out of trouble. My mom, a musical theatre enthusiast, introduced me to the world of theatre and musicals, while my dad’s work managing artists and producers allowed me to spend time in studios and witness people on their creative journeys. Thanks to them, I now feel confident in my own creative path and truly connected to who I am. Read more>>
Kirin Dejonckheere
My parents, both karate sensei, gave me a strong foundation in self-defense, awareness, and resilience. Growing up, I didn’t fully appreciate how these teachings would shape my future, but they became invaluable as I embarked on my modeling career at 14 and started traveling the world alone at 16. Their lessons in grounding, focus, and safety, learned through resilience training and the Rock and Water program, provided me with the confidence to navigate new environments and challenges. It also gave me the courage to move to New York City at 19 and start my own coaching business, alongside my modeling career. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the strength and independence they instilled in me. Read more>>
Wheelhouse Pottery
We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have parents/family that support our creative ambitions. In fact, both of us were raised in family owned businesses and can accredit a lot of those ambitions to our parents. While perusing the arts is a little different than what either of our families do (Jacob’s parents owning a landscaping company, and Madison’s family owning a beauty supply company) they have taught us each so much. They have shown us the dedication and sacrifice required to start and manage a successful business, as well as the joy and pride that come from bringing something to life. While we value the lessons learned through our family’s ventures, we also have to recognize the encouragement we have received while navigating our own. We have family and friends visit us at almost every market we attend. They are the ones we can’t wait to share our newest ideas and creations with, to celebrate new opportunities with, because they are always are biggest cheerleaders. Read more>>
Hunter Borkowski
My dad is pretty much the reason I am so passionate about music and wanting to be a part of that industry. He is a music copyright lawyer and I grew up with so many different genres and influences from such a young age that it really helped shape my interests and career path later on in life. When I was younger I was also extremely academic based – I took every AP class I could fit into my schedule and strived after straight As for as long as I could remember. When it came time to decide where I wanted to go to college, I felt like I was about to hit a massive wall. I really wanted to pursue the arts and my passion there and was afraid of how my parents would react to that. Especially since the college I want to go to was across the country. To my surprise, both of my parents told me to follow my heart and choose where I wanted to go. My father even told me that he didn’t want me to make the same mistakes as him. Don’t get me wrong, he does love his job and being a copyright lawyer he was able to be more involved in the music industry than the average person. But he also had a creative side to him that he never followed, choose academics and law over his other passions. He still regrets letting go of that side and he didn’t want me to do the same. Read more>>
Shay Munroe
I think I have to honor my parents here. Both of them have had a huge impact on my journey (for better or worse). They both passed when I was young and memories with them feel as if they took place in another lifetime at times. My father and mother were some of the most resilient, charming, talented, fierce individuals I knew. I learned to walk into a room like I own the place from my mother and “go where I’m called to go no matter the discomfort on my way there.” My father taught me to have a solid work ethic. From a young age, I was earning my own money. I started my own lawn mowing business at 10 and quickly had a growing savings account. One day, my father had plopped a baseball cap on my head, showed me how to crank the lawn mower, and slapped me on the back, saying, “Just mow the lawns first, then ask for the money!” I dragged that lawn mower all over the neighborhood, coming home with wads of $5’s and $10’s. Even though I’ve always had a creative, sensitive soul, my parents raised me to be strong and determined, to keep going even through the hard times because what makes your heart sing is what matters most. Read more>>
Mikki St.germain
My dad was one of the hardest-working individuals I’ve ever known. He held a full-time job during the week and took on side work on weekends. As the oldest child, I often went along to help, learning practical skills like pouring concrete, repairing roofs, chopping firewood, and even basic car maintenance like changing oil and tires. My favorite moments with him were spent watching football together. Through these experiences, he instilled in me a strong sense of independence and resilience, teaching me that I could accomplish anything and that I should never let anyone tell me otherwise. Read more>>
Francesca Furian
I grew up in the industrial district of a small hamlet in Treviso, a town near Venice, where my parents decided to build their business. We lived at the outskirts of town, isolated from the center. During the week, our yard was bustling with the movement of trucks and employees’ cars, but by evening and on weekends, the place was left to cats and frogs. What some might have seen as desolation, I saw as peace, because the love within my family was all I needed. My mother always taught me to be grateful for what I had and to make the most of it, which I did—creating an imaginary world that now, as an adult, fuels my life as a creative. My parents were tireless workers, and even when they came home, they kept busy. I can still picture our evenings: my mother preparing dinner alongside my grandmother while my father, deeply focused on fixing something in the living room, often arrived late to the table. Like him, I immerse myself in my work, often losing track of the world outside. Read more>>
Leslie Park
My parents were a bit against the grain for first generation immigrant parents. Instead of minimizing the creative arts, they often celebrated it no matter how big or small it was. My mom had instilled in me a beautiful idea of chasing your dreams. “No matter how hard the climb was, if you believe in it and keep trying, you’ll get there.” It felt like undying hope. We struggled a lot financially as a family but this sense of “you can keep going” always felt like there would be a better day coming as long as I chased a dream. Whatever the dream was. And perhaps I was a bit naive about what it means to be an artist when I was young but sometimes you need that to combat all the anxiety. She made me feel excited about the future and excited to learn from others. My dad was someone who was just all about loving someone. Regardless of if they were an academic genius or a drop out. He cared most that you were a good person at heart and when you love someone or something you love it with all your heart. So he never criticized or felt the need to put down anyone. If someone had a dream they wanted to chase, that was just bonus haha. Read more>>
Aurangel Del Carpio
My mom and my dad are my biggest source of inspiration. Since I was a child I’ve seen how my parents create opportunities to improve personally and professionally. They never settle, always looking for a way to improve our family quality of living. I remember that we moved from a little town to the city in the Dominican Republic to start from scratch and wasn’t easy and my sister and I didn’t understand at the moment but it was a sacrifice totally worth it seeing my parents trying so hard to make it work for us waking up early and going to bed late working and on top of that making sure that we enjoyed our childhood reading at bedtime going on short trips, playing with us…. I learned from them that if you put your heart into what you do and you enjoy the process even if the results aren’t what you expected you’ll be happy with it because you gave the best of you and that’s wat matters and you will loose more without trying. I’m not afraid of starting new business or new life in general. Read more>>
Courtney Chen
My Dad was an immigrant from Taiwan, he came to the states in the 90’s in pursuit of the American Dream. He enrolled in college to study Electrical Engineering when I was young. I remember he was always studying, he would read the materials in English, translate everything into Chinese, and then translate his assignments back into English to turn in. My Dad always provided for my Mom and I. He would work his regular day job, and when money was tight he would get a side hustle usually waiting tables at a Chinese restaurant on the weekends. I always knew my Dad was a hard worker, but when I went to Taiwan for the first time last year, I really saw my Dad’s hard work and sacrifice. He left his small town to provide a better life for himself and his future family. He went to the land of opportunity and for that I am forever grateful. A lot of my work ethic is instilled in me by watching my Dad. My favorite motto that I live by is from the Apollo 13 Moon Landing, “Failure is Not an Option”. Read more>>
Kristi Keding
I realize that so much of my life, especially in my work and career, has been shaped by what my dad did right. He didn’t sit me down to tell me the value of hard work or resilience; he lived it. One of my favorite memories happened in third grade on the playground. There was a set of monkey bars at my school that I was determined to conquer. But I didn’t want to cross in the usual way; I wanted to crab-walk. So, I got up there, started making my way across, and…fell. Hard. When I told my dad what happened, he encouraged me —not to give up and to try again. So the next day, I tried again, and I fell again. But each time I got up and tried once more, he kept cheering me on. Through that experience, my dad taught me the value of perseverance. He taught me that it was okay to stumble, to be knocked down, and even to fail. What mattered was getting back up and learning from each attempt. My dad showed me that hard work is a process, not a one-time effort. This foundation has guided me in my work, helping me stay grounded through setbacks and encouraging others to keep going—because growth and success are always within reach. Read more>>
Sarah Kang
My parents were never afraid to learn something new. My dad speaks five difference languages, has an impressive list of hobbies (they range from beekeeping to spinning yarn) and has learned how to put in the work to learn a new skill. My mom has an equally impressive list of skills that she has learned from an insatiable curiosity and a satisfaction with the process of making something with your own hands. My parents’ love for the creative process meant that I grew up watching them try (and fail) as they learned new skills. This taught me to have the courage to try new things and to keep at it even when it looks super crummy at the beginning – but most of all, they taught me to really appreciate the satisfaction that comes from being able to create something with your own hands. Read more>>
Ellen Dundon
There is lots of things my parents did wrong, but lots of things they did right. One thing my parents did right was teach us to reach for the stars, never to turn down opportunities and they always support us in all areas of life. When I was 18 and didn’t want to go to college, they said “fine”. When I was 21 and wanted to move half way across the world to live for a summer, they said “fine”. When I came back at 22 and said I wanted to go back to college, they said “fine”When I finished college, graduated as a nurse but said I wanted to go back again in the future, they said “fine”. They have always taught me to take every opportunity life gives me and the impact that has had on the person I am today is profound. I am completely open minded and any opportunity that comes across my lap I said yes to. I know if I dropped it all tomorrow and said I was moving to the other side of the world they would say “you go do that do it and do it well!!” They have always taught me that I will only ever get this life and opportunities once, I will only ever get to be young one, I will only ever get to have that period of life pre children once, they have always taught me to live life to the fullest because we are only on this planet for a short time we have to make the most of it. Read more>>
Sarah Rae
My mom raised me with the narrative that the story we tell ourselves about our lives is what we will be. She constantly affirmed the message that I’m intelligent and capable. My parents had me very young, and my mom took classes in the evenings to further her career and pursue her dream of being a teacher. When I was eleven, she got accepted into a teaching program and moved our family to a new time so that she could pursue her dreams. This was very hard for all of us, but seeing her do that has impacted me. It helped me see that no matter how challenging a situation is, it’s important to make things happen for yourself and pursue what makes you happy. Combining the messages my mom told me and seeing her achieve her goals has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Read more>>
Joshua Noel
It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing that I feel my parents did right, but I do have a couple of standouts. I feel very blessed to have grown up in a Christian household with two parents that love each other and are committed to each other. Having been married now for 30+ years, seeing my parents’ marriage has truly been an inspiration to me in my own marriage on how to love one another, care for each other, and how to prioritize your spouse and your marriage, with God at the center. The other highlight is them instilling a great work ethic in me. My dad always told me that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. And most days, I tell people that I don’t feel like I am working. Instilling a work ethic to go the extra mile, and to work as if you are working for the Lord, has stuck with me throughout my career. Read more>>