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.

Raquel Herring

My mother, a hard working and dedicated single parent, worked tirelessly to provide me with the best opportunities in life. She didn’t just focus on meeting my basic needs—she made it her mission to nurture my confidence, talent, and education. Recognizing my passion and gifts for the creative arts, she ensured I was always engaged in activities that allowed me to grow and shine. Her unwavering belief in me and her relentless efforts paved the way for my early successes, including my appearances on Star Search and the Mickey Mouse Club. I owe so much of my journey to her vision and dedication. Read More>>

Jennifer Albright

This topic is near and dear to me, as I lost my father to cancer on January 4, 2023. I always knew I had an awesome dad, but I feel like when you lose them and when have children of your own, you start to realize even more just how amazing they were and how impactful their parenting was as you move forward. Read More>>

Elizabeth Hargraves

I was raised by 2 optimists. They always approached life with the attitude : if you’ve got lemons, make lemonade. They weren’t Pollyannas- they acknowledged difficulties and took the attitude that it would all turn out ok. And they never tried to force me to be anything other than who I am, supporting and celebrating my creativity. For instance, I showed an early desire to make my own clothing choices and came up with some pretty hilarious combinations. Other mothers would sometimes comment derisively on my approach and my mother would answer with “ well I don’t want to stifle her creativity”. This is in the days before it was cool for kids to wear mismatched outfits. Read More>>

Babak Hajhosseini

I was incredibly fortunate to grow up in a family where both my mother and father placed profound importance on education, self-reliance, hard work, and personal accountability. My father, a gynecologist, overcame humble beginnings in a small village in Iran to ascend to the role of CEO at the largest hospital in the second-largest city in the country. Similarly, my mother, who faced financial hardships growing up, broke barriers as the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree from one of the nation’s top universities. Read More>>

María Fernanda Vogel

I’ve recently pondered upon the value of order and chaos in life. It’s almost a constant game and balance between leading a life or order and focus and also having an intense thirst for adventure and unpredictability. Read More>>

Andres Borda

Since I was a kid, I always knew I was different from others. My parents knew that as well. I never allowed this sensation to make me feel less than others. On the contrary, it always empowered me to be unapologetically myself. While my closest friends would be playing soccer, I’d be crafting shows during recess. My parents are firm believers that one should always follow their calling no matter what. From a young age my calling became very apparent: performing arts. Read More>>

Linda Duncombe

My parents made sure that living in government housing was not something that was going to hold back my brother or I in going after our dreams. My family was one rich on love and support. My parents told me I could do anything and it was better to try and learn than to live life thinking “what if?”…. Read More>>

Tracey Thomas

Reflecting on my journey, I often consider the incredible foundation laid by my family. Each member brought unique insights and values that shaped the person I am today. My parents, in particular, imparted lessons that continue to guide me in life and business. My father instilled in me the spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity, and risk-taking. He showed me that success often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and thinking outside the box. Read More>>

Quyn Duong

I am so thankful for parents and family who’ve encouraged me to pursue life as an artist. Although most of the details of my career are lost in translation, they’ve always prioritized my happiness and well-being. Growing up as refugees in America, we started with a difficult life but together they did their best to raise me and my sister with opportunities to live out our dreams. I think the best things my parents did were allowing us to make our own decisions and hanging in there even through our most rebellious years. Read More>>

Iryna Malygina

My parents taught me the most important things: to be brave, free, and know my worth. That doesn’t mean I’m never afraid. It means I move forward even when I am. I remember asking my dad when I was younger, “Do you think I can do it? Will I succeed?” And he always answered, “If not you, then who?” I think that deep sense of being unconditionally loved—even if they don’t understand, even if they disagree, even if they think you’re making a mistake—gives you the courage to try, to express yourself, and to pursue only what you truly believe in and love. Read More>>

Munsok So

Reflecting on my journey as a Korean immigrant who arrived in St. Louis at a young age, I am profoundly grateful for the sacrifices and unwavering support of my parents. Their resilience and dedication have been the bedrock of my personal and professional achievements. Read More>>

Kristy Gronseth

My parents were divorced when I was 6. However, they were both great examples to me in integrity, hard work, and treating others with respect. My dad was not formally educated but was a respected business owner of a Beltone Hearing Aid franchise in Albuquerque, NM. He also had an office in Santa Fe and Farmington. He took excellent care of his clients and went the extra mile in taking care of them. He loved gardening and woodworking as well. He lived a well rounded life also loving fishing and camping. He influenced my love for the outdoors, gardening, and camping. He taught me how to care for people through his example in customer service, often going the extra mile for his clients. Read More>>

Jahaira Gomez

There are so many lessons that I’ve learned from my mother that I carry with me wherever I go and in everything that I do. I think the greatest lesson of all has been her teaching me to put God first, before all things. She taught me what it means to have and be centered in unmovable faith and that has truly made an immense and significant impact in my life. Read More>>

Jonathan Cross

My father instilled in me the importance of accountability from a very young age. Anytime I got into trouble as a kid, my natural response was to claim it wasn’t my fault. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the lesson he was trying to teach me. He would respond, “You were there, so it’s your responsibility. You shouldn’t have been in those situations to begin with.” Read More>>

Neal Bakshi

As I’ve seen from my sister becoming a mom of two, parenting is a tall task. Sleepless nights (which turn into years), a schedule which fully revolves around your children’s extracurriculars and nap times, and the added responsibility of being a primary provider seems all-consuming. I grew up outside of Princeton, New Jersey and my parents, both immigrants from India, worked full time. My mom commuted an hour and a half each way to work, while my dad lived away from the home Monday through Friday as a merchant marine engineer. Read More>>

Molly Levitt

My parents instilled in me a strong sense of independence and resilience that has profoundly shaped both my life and career. They believed in giving my siblings and I the tools to learn and grow, rather than simply handing us the answers. While of course it was frustrating as a child, ultimately it taught me the importance of problem-solving and perseverance while having a support system. Read More>>

Lisa Mccleave

I love this question. So much of who I am, is because of my amazing dad. I have watched my dad, my whole life, go out of his way to help anyone in need. With a huge heart and a thoughtful soul, he has been there for people in more ways than he even realizes. His love and care is contagious and I have spent my life always trying to be there in whatever way I can for anyone in need that I encounter. I am this way from witnessing my dad be that kind of person my entire life. Read More>>

Tamera Kunselman

My parents, who grew up during the Great Depression, exemplified the power of resilience and determination. Despite not finishing high school, they thrived, with my father earning his electrician’s license and eventually opening his own electrical businesses in Kingsport and Bristol, Tennessee. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic enabled him to expand his business, adding a pump and well service that required specialized equipment. I have always been amazed by my father’s incredible intelligence and resourcefulness, which allowed him to build a successful career without formal education. Read More>>

Bryan Morgan

My parents raised my brothers and I to be gentlemen, hard workers, and contributors in society. I can’t even tell you how many times they’ve been there for me when I needed them. Even when I didn’t even realize I needed them. The trips to sports practices and games, music rehearsals and performances, premieres, field trips, etc. There are so many lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life. One example is my father coached me for years in our Birmingham YMCA basketball league. Outside of practice and games and in the off season, we would be working on my post moves, jump shots, free throws, and conditioning. Read More>>