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.

Tiffany Borrego

My parents are the best support system I could’ve ever asked for and they have always pushed me to achieve my goals and dreams, no matter how big or small they are. They taught me to work hard for what I wanted in life and that with drive and determination anything would be possible, so that’s always been in my mind when I want to start a new hobby or truly anything I do in life. Both in my studies and in my professional life, I’ve gone through a tremendous journey of growth and self discovery. Read more>>

Janine Kamei

When I was a kid, I knew that there was more to life than what El Paso had to offer. I used to read many books because I was always so curious about life (still curious). I feel like both of my parents knew that I was different & I saw the world differently. Growing up my mom was a stay at home mom raising three girls while my dad worked majority of the day. My dad has always & still is a working man. He can literally do everything. I remember he used to take on small jobs and I used to love going with him to these jobs because I was so fascinated with all the things my dad was able to do with just his two hands. During my endeavors with my dad, he always lectured me & would always tell me that hard work pays off. Read more>>

Paige King Johnson

Thankfully, my parents were ones that saw the value in putting kids in formal music lessons at an early age. My sister & I both started out in piano lessons around the age of 5, where we were first introduced to music in an educational form. My mom spent a lot of time carting us back & forth to music lessons for many years. They encouraged me to start taking guitar lessons at age 10. They made sure I was at every church musical and school talent show. They supported me as I went through middle school band and then into high school vocal ensemble. Read more>>

Jacqueline Suowari

At the beginning of every new year, my parents would ask that my siblings and I, make a list of the things we wanted to achieve in the new year. The goals would range from seemingly mediocre goals to mind blowing ones; anything could make the list, as long as it was geared towards making us better. We would all gather in our living room and discuss how we intend to achieve these goals and my parents would encourage us to pursue them. This fueled us & made us start the year with a purpose, whilst looking forward to the end of the year, when we would be asked to give account of how well we did, achieving our goals; why we failed at any, and what we needed to do better. Read more>>

Tara Mont

Every day, I feel tremendously grateful for how hard my immigrant parents worked to provide unlimited opportunities for me and my brother. Through these actions alone, I was inspired to follow my passions and to be empathetic of individuals from all backgrounds. While I don’t think any parent “gets it all right,” I feel incredibly thankful for the lessons I have learned from both my mom and my dad. My mother, specifically, encouraged me to always be true to myself, take risks, and follow my passions, even if that came with external judgment. Read more>>

Aundrea Salinas

I was raised by a single mother she definitely set every stepping stone to lead me to being extremely successful in industry . My mother has planted positive seeds of creativity to fulfill all passions in my life. I ask many of my clients the same question every day. “What is the best advice you have received from your mother”? My answer to the question is a simple and easy answer. “My mother has taught me to always give from a full heart. Don’t leave the house unless your ready to serve the lords people. ” Read more>>

Victoria Shamlall

Growing up Mom and Dad kept the cameras rolling. Our whole life was practically documented, “home-video” style of course. Moments that could have easily been forgotten have become a part of our memory because our parents invested to preserve them. It is truly one of the best gifts they gave us. As time passed and the camcorder made less of an appearance, my sister and I took it upon ourselves to continue preserving moments. Read more>>

jaimie anand

My parents had a very unique ability to balance putting the weight of responsibility on my shoulders and providing me with guidance and support when needed. The solid backing my parents always provided allowed me to ‘jump with both feet’ and follow my dreams with courage and positivity. Ironically, even at this age I find myself reaching out to call my dad with any news, awards or accomplishments I receive. I went into the medical field after college because at that time I, like many others, believed that was what a career path looks like and that my passion for interior design was simply a hobby. Read more>>

Tiffany Davis

My parents taught me to be myself no matter what. Embrace all parts of me and to use all the tools I was given in life to put forth my best efforts. No matter the challenges that I’ve faced in life I knew I could overcome them. My parents both came from a very rough upbringing and it taught me to never give up. If they can make a way with less than I had, I can do the same. Read more>>

Joi Mebane

When I first opened my business my mom was working full time. She would come help me in the afternoon after a full day of work. She believed in me and had me train her in all of our services so she could be able to fill any role when needed. After years of helping me after work and on weekends she ended up quitting her job to work with me full time! Her faith in me and my business is a HUGE reason why I am so successful today. I am forever grateful for her passion and dedication to The Look By Joi and being such a support system for me! She also became a client favorite and had her own loyal clients that specifically requested her for services, now, my mom is now retired and enjoying life! Read more>>

Robert Bowden III

I was very fortunate growing up to have two parents that supported my dreams of starting a small business. They encouraged me to take calculated risks, they slowed me down when I was running too fast and they ensured I looked at all the details in front of me before making serious decisions. My parents never held my hand as I started and grew my business. But they were always there if I needed to bounce an idea off of them or ask for advice when I was at a cross road. My parents have always been right by my side supporting The Spartan Garage, wether that was wearing our merchandise, attending automotive shows, helping with paperwork early on and even getting their hands dirty while we expanded from shop to shop. Read more>>

Ralph Jaboin

I feel like my parents did many things right. They have instilled different things in me early on as a kid that have impacted me in best ways. They always ensured they were setting the best example for me. For instance, showing me the importance of working hard for the things you want in life, being respectful towards others, knowing my value as a person, etc. These are things that I have applied into not only my life but also as a photographer because I’m a firm believer that if you work hard, you will reap all the benefits. Nothing worth having in this life is going to come easy. Read more>>

Sharon Banyas Hefetz

I feel like my parents did a lot of things right. All of us can say that a lot of Problems we have in our life came from our parents. Our kids are gonna blame us as well for a lot of things they are going through. But the biggest thing I took from each one of them that really had an impact on me and my journey is. From my mom I learned to just keep going. Brush it off and move along. Sometimes it came from the point of view of not creating a scene but I must say that I received a big dose of resilience. In addition the amount of love that I received from her gave me the confidence to be myself at a younger age. Read more>>

Charmyra Fleming

Wow! That’s a wonderful question. Thank you for the opportunity to express my gratitude to two of the most important people in my life. I would have to say, “my parents did quite a bit right.” First and foremost, my parents are my favorite representation of “Black Love!” I salute them because, they taught me to always believe in myself, love and romance, and the sanctity of marriage. I grew up in a loving and supportive household with both of my parents. As a romance author, their relationship has inspired me to write about warm inspiring characters with rich, complex, and compelling relationships. Read more>>

Tori Ruff

My parents taught me many skills from an early age such as ambition and resilience. I definitely got my ambition from my mom. Watching her always figure out how to make it happen and wanting more for herself as a child stuck with me. I remember going with my dad to pick her up from her night classes and she’d be so tired, but she made it work. With ambition also came being taught how to be an independent woman so I would never have to depend on anyone to give me what I want in life. I guess you can say she gave me my hustle and “by any means” mentality when it comes to chasing my dreams. Read more>>

Jamesia Monroe

What my parents did right was that they instilled in me not to quit and to always finish what I start. I remember an experience I had in high school when I joined the track team as a freshman. All throughout elementary school and middle school, I was considered one of the fastest girls in running activities. When I got to high school, I soon realized that I stepped into a different league. I went from being the fastest to the slowest girl on the track team. My friends who joined track with me as a freshman eventually quit the track team because of how fast the girls were. Read more>>

Shemar Anthony

My parents have taught me a variety of valuable lessons over the years. Some of them are just making sense now in my adult life to be honest. I’d definitely have to say the most valuable lesson of them all is to never give up. I’m no stranger to hard work or adversity and when I want something I put in the work to get it. I’ve watched my parents steadily work to improve our lives for as long as I can remember. Through every challenge and unpredictable event their resolve was always the same, to give their children a safe and prosperous life. Read more>>

Lauren Copeland N’Namdi

Ha! Well I hope you can meet my parents one day. First thing that comes to my mind. Lauren, don’t ever embarrass your family. Two, Wen are growing a person. Third, “Be Careful”. Lastly your name is Lauren Fitzgerald Copeland. I start with this because you always have to remember who you are, where you came and that you have the right to be any and everywhere in life. My parents are very grounded and hospitable people. If you know me you have been to our family’s home in Detroit, had a fabulous meal prepared by either of my parents. If you are above the age of 21 you had one of my mother’s infamous gin martinis extra dry with a blue cheese olive. What they did right was led by example. Read more>>

Tommy Neff

My parents always worked hard and showed my siblings and I that hard work paid off. Making sure that we did chores regularly and that we took pride in the things we had was a very important aspect of the example they set for us. I wasn’t handed a lot for no reason. There was always some way I had to earn it. Whether it was by doing extra chores, washing cars, mowing lawns, picking onions with my Grandpa in Imperial Valley, etc. It had to be earned. Don’t get me wrong, I had nice things. but my parents made sure that I knew that nice things required hard work to earn them. My mother instilled in me at a young age that pursuing my dreams was most important and I knew being a business owner was one of them. Read more>>

Jennifer Bradley

I often think of my parents and the impact they still have on me today. This not only guides me in my professional work, but my life as a whole. I use this same guidance as an undertone daily with my children. My mother often said “Baby, be careful how you treat people. Because life has a way of making a fool of us all.” When I was young, I didn’t get those words. But my mother was not only teaching me to do right by people, but also that you never know what narrative you will end up with in life. So I try to give what I need most on this journey; and that’s compassion. Read more>>

Martine Fortune

There is nothing more comforting than knowing you can slip without falling. Thats what my parents did right. As I navigate my 20s, I realize that getting my life together isn’t a linear process……sometimes I’m doing great, sometimes I’m a mess. I think the best part of all of this is that, unlike my parents did in their 20s, I don’t have a fear of messing up so badly that I won’t survive. I always know where I COULD go if I need to. And not having that fear allows me to take risks that they couldn’t, in hopes of higher rewards. Read more>>

Daron Arnold

When my parents started Arnolds Quick Shop in 1984, it was because of a dream that my father, John Henry Arnold Sr, always wanted. He wanted to have a building of his own where his children would not have to go without. And with the help of my mother, Deborah Ann Arnold, they started down the road that was ahead of them. Even though the journey was not easy, they didn’t lose faith in the process they had created for themselves as well as for all of us. Having 5 boys and 1 girl (John Henry Arnold Jr, Luther Issaiah Arnold, Anthony Jerome Arnold, (myself) Daron Lamont Arnold, Matthew Elliott Arnold, and Justice Amanda Summerville Arnold, they didn’t lose hope. Of course the road wasn’t easy. Read more>>

Rondrick Williamson

I was raised in a single parent home. My mother oftentimes struggled to provide us with the basic necessities. It was through her hard work, determination and strength that I am able to be the person I am today. She taught us the value of hard work and also how to overcome struggle and hardship. Watching her ‘making things work’ gave me the glimmer of hope that is so much needed everyday in today’s world. Read more>>

Naphtali Bryant

My parents were both business-minded when it came to function in the workplace. My mother would be considered an intrapreneur who thinks like an entrepreneur but maintains a 9 to 5 job. My mom would negotiate her salary based on her performance so much that she would mention retirement for years to get a raise. She understood that being one of the best in her field gave her the leverage to price herself appropriately for her value. My father was both a business owner and a pastor of a local church. He taught me how to quiet the noise of others who lack the eyes to see your vision and are not as patient enough to see that vision realized. Read more>>

Samantha Mitchell

Where do I start. From early childhood to high school, my parents allowed me to explore various outlets including dance, sports, arts & media programs and more. Through those experiences I learned the importance of work ethic, self-confidence, time management, balance, reliability and so much more. These experiences allowed me to hone in on life skills and figure out what I was most passionate about. I thrived in most areas, basketball was a little suspect lol, but all in all I had fun, learned a lot and made so many friends along the way. Read more>>

Lacy Stacy

My mom and dad instilled perseverance. Today, they continue to teach me, try to guide me, and encourage me! They have always taught me to work hard on anything I do, and to do my best. But of course, I have stumbled, tripped, and even fell along way a time or two. They have always supported me but told me about the cold hard facts in the same sentence. There are two things that top perseverance that they didn’t teach me but showed me and that’s love, and they have never given up on me or my dreams! Read more>>

Rijaa Nadeem

I did not achieve success alone. In order for me to be successful, I had to work extremely hard and learn certain skills. But throughout my life I was given tools, guidance or opportunities by others which helped me grow. Simply put, I am who I am today because of my parents. I doubt they understood when I was young who I would become. That is the beauty of having kids. You have no idea who they will turn into. My parents didn’t teach me how to be a successful artist. Instead, they taught me everything about how to be resilient and how to view the world with compassion. Those two skills together is what makes me into a strong artist. Read more>>

Travis Starr

What my parents did right was support my crazy ideas. I was a kid that had to learn the hard way so it was very important they let me bump my head so I learned what worked rather than force me in the other direction. Read more>>

Brittni Ocean

Most parents shy away from cultivating the natural ability of their children to develop their skill but, my parents did the opposite. There isn’t a time that i can immediately recall that my parents restricted me from exploring creative expression. Throughout life, I became labeled as a “free spirit” within multiple friend groups. My mom always said I was carefree while my dad joked that i was his “weird” child. The common thread is that they collectively acknowledged that i was indeed, different. My parents exposed me to various activities, cultures and experiences. Read more>>

Brittany Jenkins

Everything. Growing up in NY, and Brooklyn,NY at that, I was always raised with the mentality to work hard and a large part of that comes from my parents. Not only have they pushed the importance of hard work, but they have always ensured that I knew they expected hard work from me because they believed I was more than capable of doing anything I put my mind to. My parents believing in me and supporting me has been a big factor in many of the major milestones in my life. When I was struggling on deciding whether to launch Dear Brittany, my father in particular was the driving source. He reminded me to do my research, helped me find the ingredients I needed, and as a christmas gift one year he surprised me by printing out merchandise that I would be able to sell. There was even a point once, where I wanted to give up. Read more>>

Tejai Moore

My parents raised my sister and I to know that God is our provider. From an early age, I was introduced to God, the Lord, and it helped me know Right from wrong. Now, as we all grow older into adulthood we have our choices/decisions and are able to make choices of our own. Due to the way my parents raised me, I could never use the excuse of not knowing that God is the Way. In everything that I do in my Journey, I apply that, I remind myself of that, and I truly believe that so it’s been beyond essential to who I am and where I am just as much as where I’m going to be one day. Read more>>

Jodie Scott

My parents played a key role in my music success by acknowledging my passion for music and investing time into my creative being at an early age. At the age of 9 years old, my mother enrolled me into piano lessons, which ignited my passion for music and significantly displayed her belief in my creative being. Read more>>

Trish Duggan

When I was very young, if I was bored with nothing to do, my mom always had plain white paper an pencils on the table and said, “go draw.” This encouraged me to be creative, but also to duplicate. My parents also encouraged me to get an education as my dad joined the military at age seventeen and my mom got pregnant when she was sixteen. They both encouraged me to be part of the “American Dream.” The other amazing aspect of growing up was that we always went camping and spent time outdoors with wide open spaces. At night, there was always a canopy of a billion sparkling stars overhead! Read more>>

Natalie Cardenas

My Parents migrated here in their early 20s, my father from Peru and my mother from Colombia. I noticed early on that they had a much different upbringing than a typical American family. My mother was a child of 7 brothers and 1 sister in a small pueblo where education was often overlooked. When she came to the states in her early 20s she quickly met my father and started a family. Read more>>

Sherie Nevett

My parents pushed me to follow my bliss when it wasn’t popular. I have a BS in Fashion Marketing and many thought that I was crazy to go into that particular field because during those times studying fashion was not popular. My parents, however; were extremely supportive and knew thar I would have success in whatever career I decided to pursue. Read more>>

Victoria Warren

My mother is a strong woman. She’s always been very smart and wise. Other than being a loving provider, those two characteristics always stood out to me the most in her. So, when my mom talks to me or gives me advice, I take it to heart. My mom always raised my siblings and I to be true to ourselves and to wisely listen to our hearts because the heart is treacherous and at times we can’t even know it. If it feels wrong, then it is. Even if it comes from the heart. So when I was in college pursuing a degree in health and fitness, my mom saw that I was not really happy with my journey. Read more>>

Oliver Rajamani

There are many things that my parents did right that has shaped the life i live today. I carry an older traditional manner of looking at life mixed in with a modern openness and acceptance. Amongst the many things, one was the spiritual lifestyle i grew up with. Everything in life revolved around spirituality while growing up. Spiritual practise came first for my family. I grew up praying in the morning and night with family before venturing of for the day and before going to sleep. This was a must in my family and my father made sure we followed this practise daily. I hated this as a child but in my adulthood it has been the crucial foundation for discipline and clear thinking. Read more>>