So many of us parent the way our parents did – because it’s the only example we’ve had a chance to see up close. We think one of the ways to remedy this is to create a space where people can share stories of the things they feel their parents did right, so we can all learn from those examples.

Jessica Rangel

I can’t thank my parents enough for always encouraging my artistic drive, and though we had humble means at times, they never failed to provide materials I could use to fuel my creativity. Toilet paper rolls, empty tissue boxes, scraps of wood, those all became my supplies and the possibilities were endless! I would make cardboard shoes, pop-up cards, miniature accessories for dolls, or anything else I dreamed up! I think what I’m most grateful for is that my parents never treated my ideas as silly. Read more>>

Cathy Williams

I was born to Haitian immigrants, and in that community and many other Caribbean communities, you see parents pressure their children to become lawyers, doctors, or nurses. Those jobs/career paths are viewed as more practical and prestigious. Thankfully, my parents were not like that. Being supportive of an artistic career path was the best thing my parents have done for me. Read more>>

Shontavia Houston

Growing up Life was VERY hard, at the age of 13 I was introduced to a living environment/Community that involved me seeing Drug Addicts, Helpless Homeless Residents, Shoot Outs, Black on Black Crime, Prostitutes, Ect. I was the Oldest of my siblings on my Mother’s side so I had to play a huge roll in my household as a kid. No child should ever have to witness such DEPRESSING circumstances growing up!!! Read more>>

Zaria Watson

Ty and Lisa Watson, made it very clear to me at a young age that life is hard work. From 3rd grade until now, I have been in an evolving journey to discovering my identity. As a kid, I struggled with low self-esteem. I had really short hair (it could barely fit into a pony tail) due to medical reasons, and I have always been slim. I remember making my mom aware of the teasing I got at school from my classmates. Read more>>

Larry Motley Jr.

My parents raised me to understand no one owes you anything, and more often than not, it isn’t the person blessed with innate talent that wins, but the individual who deliberately works hard in a domain of excellence and never gives up. My folks were small business owners. I watched them struggle growing up, but also witnessed their determination to make it, especially when it got hard. Read more>>

Lisa Johnson

My parents were both serious about education & pouring life into their children. I am #3 off. 3 daughters. Raised by 2 concious parents. When I was a child my mother worked for Les Brown (Motivational Legend). She always allowed me to voice my opinion with respect while keeping an open mind. Read more>>

Kaylee Rice

I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive family. My parents allowed me to live in my imagination, to travel to fantasy lands in my books, and discover magic in the everyday. Between driving to and from rehearsals to showing up with bags of snacks after piano lessons, they, and my grandparents, were there every step of the way, always making an effort to encourage me to strive for more and to follow the magnetization towards the arts. Read more>>

Thelma Osei

I believe in parental investment; it is vital to raising successful children. Let us invest our life’s knowledge in the next generation. My beloved mother died in 2020, but her parental investment lives in her children. Success for me includes my children knowing their background (heritage) and their future (inheritance). Read more>>

Lucritia Stewart

I grew up in the DMV area, which is considered “The Federal Government Hub”. When I turned 15 years old I was eager and ready to start making my own money! (I hate asking for things!). My very first job was at Sears, in my local mall as a cashier. HATED IT! My second job was working at Red Lobster as a hostess. HATED THAT EVEN MORE. So after my 16th birthday my parents told me about an opportunity to work as a summer intern with The Federal Government. Read more>>

Isaac Guerra

Everybody wants to be something when they grow up. In grade school usually teachers would ask and tons of kids would shout out amazing careers and life paths. Firefighters, Doctors, and architects all around; When the question came to me I always had a straight answer. I wanted to grow up and be like my mom. A nurses assistant, an artist, and the Karaoke queen. Read more>>

Sharisse Francisco

As I’ve grown older I’ve become fascinated by my realization that parents are simply people moving through there own challenges, traumas, internalized societal conditioning, limiting beliefs, etc that are doing the best they can with what they have and know to take care of another human being. Read more>>

Nick Blumer

While growing up both of my parents worked extremely hard, and they made difficult sacrifices to provide for our family. I believe this work ethic rubbed off on me at a very early age and instilled valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of a having a strong work ethic. My mother often worked multiple jobs and put our family’s needs before her own. Read more>>