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.

Jenny Khouly

Over 50 years ago, in the midst of conflict and uncertainty, my father made a life-altering decision—to leave his home country of Lebanon during the war and pursue a better life. His destination was a small Caribbean island called Antigua, a place vastly different from the one he grew up in, yet full of the hope and possibility he longed for. Read More>>

Suzanne Lyons-Elleraas

My parents always encouraged me to follow my passion and put 100% in whatever I did. Whether it was school, sports, other extracurricular activities, I always gave it my best, learned from my successes and my mistakes and kept pushing forward. As a result, I’ve been able to live an amazing life, working full-time for the US Navy (I’m a govt. civilian and a Reserve Captain) and still having a fun business on the side (cookie decorating) that keeps me balanced and happy. Read More>>

Amanda Achen

I was one of the lucky ones – my parents always encouraged me to follow my interests, no matter how unconventional. Whether it was joining my church’s adult Worship Band at age 12, competing in martial arts as a self-proclaimed “Karate Pirate” (I think I invented that – use your imagination), or throwing myself into talent shows, community theater, and eventually voice lessons and competitions, they were always in my corner. Read More>>

Raegan Rowland

Well, to start I have to acknowledge the fact that I would not be who I am today without my parents and my family and I can’t thank them enough for always supporting me and just being there to be my sounding board from childhood to now. This question is something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently. The older I get, the more I get to know myself and one thing I see looking back through my twenties and decisions I made: I’m not gonna settle for just good enough. Read More>>

Shana Boutté

My parents were pioneers in fighting for a disabled child. Resources were not available, nor was adequate testing. Public school lied to my parents about disability law, which came into being in 1972. Their belief in my abilities was, and continues to be, the foundation for accomplishments, which are still deemed impossible by most who specialize in developmental and learning disabilities. Read More>>

Brittany Johnson

I always joke that even though my debut novel, DEADLY EVER AFTER, is coming out this year, it’s not my first story ever to be published. I’m proud to say that I was a self-published author at the ripe age of four years old. The story, one about a bumblebee that was flitting from flower to flower until the rain ruined her day, can’t be found online, nor is it bound between two covers. There was only one edition, and it was published on the walls of my mother’s all white living room in marker. Read More>>

Suguna Chunduri

Although my heritage is Indian , I never actually resided there. I was Born in Singapore and then moved to the US at a very young age. My father who worked at the world bank travelled a great deal and relocated us a few times globally. No matter what or where the moves have been we were taught to assimilate , learn local languages and always be mindful of our own culture and traditions. Read More>>

Amie Peña

My paternal Grandparents raised me. My upbringing from the silent generation allowed me to appreciate the value in what life has to offer and be intentional with my actions. My Grandmother’s boudoir was the source of inspiration for my love of makeup artistry and the ritual of “primping”. I loved to watch her get ready and her process of using makeup, makeup tools and hair products to get ready. Read More>>

Steve Dansby

My parents instilled in me the importance of being a person with integrity and character. My capacity to build relationships and be empathetic towards people when needed is what I learned from my mother. My father told me the importance of giving your word and keeping it. Read More>>

Chelsea Perkins

Growing up, my parents were extremely supportive of living a full life involved in the arts and entrepreneurship. I was raised among musicians, painters, and small business owners. Pursuing an artistic life was as natural to me as breathing air. Furthermore, my parents and grandparents have greatly encouraged my fine art practice and business throughout my life. I have always felt fully supported by them in my career choices, and for that I am eternally grateful. Read More>>

Gerardo Tiburcio Calles

When people ask me how I became an entrepreneur, I always say it started long before my first official business. It started in the living room, the kitchen, and long car rides with my dad. Read More>>

Stephanie Morrone Waters

My parents were always my biggest supporters in life. No matter what interest I had, sports, academic, creative, they always supported me in exploring these outlets. My parents bought me a point and shoot camera when I was about 8 years old and I have been shooting ever since! Read More>>

Mykel Mangrum Billups

My parents were educators and taught me that the one thing that can never be taken away from you is knowledge. You can lose a job or things, and these will come and go. Knowledge and education are two items that are valued beyond any material items or even a job. Read More>>