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.

Andrea Gonzalez

My father was an immigrant, and was much older than my mother when they married. He was born in late 1920s in remote, central Mexico where there was virtually no access to education. He worked in the fields from a very young age, and after a family tragedy, he was forced to move to the U.S. Read more>>

Christopher Billik

My parents are a major factor in my success. My mother taught me to view my work as a calling and more than “just a job”. She always told me to focus on the work and that the money would follow. She taught me that you can build real friendships with your clients. My father taught my about attention to detail, the importance of integrity and the importance of consistency. He taught me that you should do good work out of respect for the craft itself. Read more>>

Jennifer Ellison

My parents did a lot right. I was incredibly blessed to grow-up in a home with a strong faith where we were taught the value of morals and ethics and a strong sense of family and connectedness. My parents encouraged creativity, independence, hard work and dedication. Read more>>

Patti Negri

My parents believed in me. My mom constantly told me “I can be / do anything I want. She encouraged me to follow my dreams. I think equally important was giving me “belief system” freedom! Read more>>

June Cutter

My parents are immigrants from South Korea. They moved to the United States in 1968 and worked tirelessly to build the American Dream for themselves and especially for me – their only child. Growing up as the child of immigrants had its challenges, but it also instilled in me a sense of gratitude and grit that shaped who I am today. Read more>>

Alexis Rice

My parents have ALWAYS installed in me to work hard, keep God first and go after everything I want no matter the consequences. These goals have been taught to me over and over from a young child to my adult age. Read more>>

Kifer Goodluck

Something my parent did write by parenting me and my siblings is to always stay committed to whatever you are set out to do. Meaning no matter what the circumstances you will come out victorious at the end. You just have to trust God and believe. Read more>>

Dr. Kim McNair

and if I worked hard and I could have anything I want. My father was a entrepreneur he owned his own mechanic shop with two other technicians in the shop. Through him I learn customer service working long hours and how to manage your time. Read more>>

Ashley Pan

Everything. At the young age of five, I was already a busy woman. I was involved in more things than I could count on my fingers and toes; heck, I could barely count back then! Ice skating, volleyball, basketball, ping pong, tennis, piano, singing, drawing, Kumon, swimming, dance, you name it. And I’m not alone, because this was simply the expectation for second generation Asian Americans from their first-generation immigrant parents. Read more>>

Paris Barrowclough

I was raised by my mother. She had me at the age of 42, with no shortage of resistance from friends and family. Her first batch of children were already grown, and my father wasn’t exactly the marriage type. Despite the complications, and what seemed like an irresponsible decision for a woman of her age, she chose to keep the life inside her that would become me. Read more>>

Frances Williams

My parents did a lot of things right that has helped me in my life and career. Majority of my childhood, I was raised by my mother with the help of my grandmother. My dad became an active part of my life in my adult years. Read more>>

Selah Jane Oliver

My father grew up playing football and played quarter back in college. When my father finished college he decided to start a band with his brother. They wrote music and sang together all the time and of course not forgetting to sing to me when I was little. I grew up listening to them play music and listening to my father sing while playing guitar. Read more>>

Brad Taylor

My parents instilled very critical values and morals that shaped me to be the man I am today. As I look back on many of our discussions we had, I realize they were providing me with future advice and life lessons. Read more>>

Tashia Mayo

My mother has always encouraged me to speak up and share my testimony with the world. My transparency is a result of having a humble and understanding mother. No matter what mistakes I’ve made or hardships I’ve encountered, my mother reminds me that it’s all a part of life. Read more>>

Michelle Medrano

When I was growing up my parents made a big effort to support my artistic endeavors. They put me in voice lessons, art classes, and dance. I realized pretty quickly that I wanted to pursue visual art. After I graduated FSU with an art degree, I think my parent started to worry a little bit. Read more>>

Rose Slam! Johnson

My partners were committed to partnering with my brother and I. We would have family meetings to make decisions that truly worked for everyone in my family. I have leaned on this skill in my experience as a teammate, leader, and individual. Read more>>

Shelly Kentner

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. From my grandpa owning a restaurant in Carlsbad back in the 70’s and 80’s to my dad now owning a metal fabrication shop in Oceanside for the past 20+ years. Always hearing about their own stories of trial and tribulations intrigued me. Read more>>

Jen Rivera

Growing up, both my parents worked hard to provide a good life for my siblings and I. My Dad passed away in 2005, I was 21 at the time. One of the many lessons he taught us, and my favorite that I still hold close to my heart to this day, is that knowledge is power. Read more>> 

Jayson Tomasheski

My childhood and upbringing was amazing! My mother was a hard-working customer service representative and then manager, and my father was a navy businessman and jack of all trades. Read more>>

Mikey Massaro

My dad was the guy who always did things as best as they could be done, or better. When I was young and looking to make a few dollars I started mowing the lawn. Little did I know that every blade of grass had to be the exact same. I hated it at first and being young I didn’t realize the importance of the lesson being taught. Fast forward to now being a hairdresser for this many years I can say that has made the most impact on my career thus far. Do things the right way, the best you can, the first time. Read more>>

Christian Kidd

My mother always had to work more than one job, but she always managed to make a home for us- and she even found ways to make things fun. She modeled a strong work ethic, and this not only impacted the way I tackled whatever jobs I’ve had, but also in the way that I approach my music. Read more>>