Dear mom, thank you for helping me become who I am today.
So, I know about you and everything, since you are my mom, but I wanted to tell the Her Campus readers about you and how special you are. You have been the greatest role model for me in all aspects of my life.
Me: Where were you born?
Mom: Manhattan, NY
Me: Tell me about your family growing up.
Mom: I’m the oldest of three. I have a sister, Kim and a brother, Chris. I have an Irish Catholic father and a Russian, Polish and Jewish mother. However, I did not grow up very religious. With these differences, I grew up learning tolerance and accepting different kinds of people. I grew up with opinionated family members, which challenged me intellectually. With the family problems at times I, being the oldest, took on a caring role. I had a small extended family that I was close to but they did not live locally. My family moved several times so I had to learn how to adapt and adjust, which helps me to this day.
Me: Where did you attend college?
Mom: University of Massachusetts for BS in psychology and then a Masters in Social Work at Boston College.
Me: What is your current job?
Mom: Psychotherapist. I work with adolescents, adults and couples to provide therapy.
Me: Why did you choose this field?
Mom: My parents divorced when I was in 6th grade. They got back together a year later but divorced again when I was in 10th grade. I participated in a support group for children of divorce. I then spoke at different events on the subject when I was in high school. It seemed that I was already having an interest in the area of psychology and wanting to help people.
Me: If you weren’t a psychologist, what would you want to be?
Mom: I considered communications as a major in college. At that time, communications wasn’t that well known of a job.
Me: Do you think your career helped you with motherhood?
Mom: Yes. I think it goes both ways. My helping and empathic and nurturing way in my career carried into my being a mother. In turn, what I learned as a mother made me a better therapist.
Me: Did you have a role model for motherhood?
Mom: Not one particular person. My grandmother was an independent, educated and nurturing woman. My mother, of course, was always loving. Over the years, prior to becoming a mother, I was definitely exposed to mothers who gave me a perspective on flawed parenting which helped me guide my own methods.
Me: What is the biggest lesson you wish to instill in me?
Mom: Simple lessons- be kind, be tolerant, love yourself, seek your dreams, and work hard for your dreams.
Me: What was the biggest struggle as a parent?
Mom: When my children were going through their own struggles. I was experiencing the emotions when dealing with my own children’s struggles . I was always wanting my kids to, even if having their problems, get through it and be happy again. The bond between my kids, specifically you, has allowed for there to be open conversations with struggles. That has been beneficial for the both of us. I’ve learned what not to ask and what to ask to enable the conversation.
Me: What have been some of your greatest moments as a parent?
Mom: The pride I’ve taken in their accomplishments but more so when I see them acting as good people in the world.
Me: Now that your kids are out of the house, have you taken up any hobbies?
Mom: Not yet. I am enjoying more time with friends, and doing house projects. I’m also just enjoying more leisure time. I’ve picked up more hours at work, since I am putting my kids through college. Fortunately, I enjoy my job. I have continued to love being a mother and a therapist.
Thanks mom, for everything that you do and everything that you are.