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.

Cindy Tolhurst

My Parents did the best they could. they were not perfect by any means. The parts they got right, they really nailed! They instilled in me a strong confidence in myself. They always told me I could do, and be anything I set my mind to. That there were no limitations and to hold your head high and go for it! Read More>>

Ann Marie O’Rourke

My parents were intelligent, hardworking, and quietly humble. They saved diligently, acted with integrity, and were kind when no one was watching. They supported our ambitions but made one thing clear: being a good soul comes first. Their example was simple and lasting—work hard, stay humble, and keep your sense of humor. These values certainly translated into my work. Try your best. Read More>>

Nicole Powers

My parents did so many things right in my upbringing. I am the oldest child of three and I am a highly motivated, driven person. I owe much of my drive and my success to my parents. My dad was an ENT physician and facial plastic surgeon who owned his medical practice in the town where I grew up and continue to live, Dubuque, Iowa. Read More>>

Treash Chitsike

My parents taught me to work . They are the epitome of hard work, resilience, and determination. Growing up, I watched them work tirelessly, but what stood out most was that it was not just hard work — but they worked strategically. They taught me the importance of being intentional, disciplined, and committed to building something meaningful. Read More>>

Brianna Downey

My parents were not perfect. That is the truth, but as I mother my own four children, I realize more about my imperfections as well. This is not a despairing realization, it’s encouraging to know that my ability to parent is backed by what my parents did and my own kids will hopefully have a similar experience. Read More>>

Lakesha Farmer

My parents had me as teenagers, and while many people might see that as a disadvantage, I’ve always viewed it as part of my strength. They never allowed their circumstances to define the kind of parents they would be. Instead, they were intentional about pouring belief, discipline, and faith into me from an early age. Read More>>

Alethia Tucker

My parents taught me lessons that have stayed with me my entire life. Both of them came from very humble beginnings and because of that, they never forgot what it felt like to need help, support, encouragement, or someone to believe in you. As far back as I can remember, they were always willing to help others. Read More>>

Wendy Melander

Being parents is hard work! Everyone knows that, but raising children who have respect for themselves and others is extremely hard work. Living by example, my parents taught my sisters and me that having a good work ethic, living with integrity and respecting others is important in life. This was evident in their work and relationships with others. Read More>>

Olivia Clemons

They didn’t save me’ So my parents instilled this enate ability for me to do everything i ever wanted to do and excel at it. Even if I failed they taught me how to figure it out on my own to make it happen. They didn’t save me from my failures and that gave me a drive unlike any other. Read More>>

Gulli Bjornsson

As a kid, I had very little patience for music. My two older sisters both played instruments, but I was much more interested in running around and playing soccer. That didn’t really change until I was about nine, when I saw my cousin play the James Bond theme on classical guitar at my grandmother’s Christmas party. I remember thinking, wow, this is actually really cool. Read More>>

Taylor Lianne Chandler

My beginnings were shadowed by loss before I was old enough to understand what loss even meant. My mother was eighteen years and eighteen days old when she fell asleep at the wheel on a quiet road in Maine, returning home from the horse races where my father — a harness jockey — had been competing. Read More>>

Joyce Choi

Growing up, I watched my dad’s tenacity and hard work put me and my siblings through private school, and eventually UCLA. I also saw him carry that same spirit, paired with deep compassion for others, into his business. He worked several odd jobs to make this happen, including pumping gas at a small station in South Los Angeles. Years later, he bought that gas station. Read More>>