Happy Mother’s Day HC-ers! While you are (hopefully) honoring your mom with flowers, cards, brunch and attention today, this is also a great day to remind her of all the lessons she taught you. Whether it’s something little as a child that affects you all the time (thanks mom for teaching me to swim before I could walk) or something as a young adult that made you the person you are today (thanks mom for not letting me give up) or a lesson she just taught you the other day (how to make pesto – yum!) her lessons have been impactful.
Today, the Her Campus team thanks their moms for these amazing lessons – check them out below, and, as always, let us know what your mom taught you by leaving a comment below.
“The worst thing anyone can ever tell you is no.”
This statement has changed so much of my life because it’s led me to take chances and reach out to people that I normally would be too scared to. It gives me strength and lights a fire under my butt. A lot like my mom herself!
– Elyssa Goodman, Style Editor, Carnegie Melon
The best advice my mom ever gave me: “You can’t control people’s actions, only your reactions.” This concept has saved me countless times in social situations. It’s changed the way in which I approach everyone, especially people who have upset me in some way.
– Briana Morgan, Campus Correspondent, GCSU
My mom always said that you can dream all you want about your future but it’s the hard work and dedication you’re willing to put in that will see those dreams become reality.
– Kathryn Saulinas, Campus Correspondent, Bloomsburg University
My mom taught me to be vocal about my ambitions and to never apologize for being passionate. If you love something, do it, and do it wholeheartedly. Her wisdom has made me go after things I never would have otherwise, and she has been the driving force behind many of my greatest accomplishments. I’m so thankful every day to have her as a mother and as a best friend.
– Lily Herman, Contributing Writer, Wesleyan University
Be grateful for what you have, and when you’re feeling down just think about all the wonderful things you have in your life.
– Annabelle Teale, Campus Correspondent, University of Nottingham
My mom taught me that instead of wasting time worrying, I should ” let go and let God.”
– Stacey Oswald, Campus Correspondent, Vanderbilt University
My mom taught me the ins and outs of AP style! Seriously – she’s the best editor I’ve ever had.
– Sydney Nolan, Contributing Writer, Macalester College
Never settle. Never allow yourself to be someone’s second choice or back-up plan. Know your worth.
She taught me all this by not letting me go a birthday party when I was in the fourth grade. A girl in my class invited a list of girls to her party and when one couldn’t show up, she invited me. I was so excited! But my mom said no. She said if I wasn’t on the original list that I wasn’t going. I understand now that I should never be someone’s backup plan.
– Stephanie Taylor, Campus Correspondent, Oklahoma State University
She may not have coined it, but my mom was always big on the saying: “You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” It’s hard to pinpoint just one lesson she’s taught me in all of my 22 years, but that’s definitely one of the important ones. That, and how to shop.
– Lauren Kaplan, Contributing Writer, Emory University
The best lesson I ever learned from my mom is that anything–and I mean ANYTHING–is possible with some determination! She conquered cancer a few years ago and since then has run multiple half marathons. She never let cancer get the best of her and I am amazed at what she’s accomplished. She inspires me every day!
– Michelle Lewis, Life Editor, UNC-Chapel Hill
That sometimes the little, random things- like getting a fun treat for a friend who’s down, or taking someone out to lunch on a rainy day- can be the most meaningful.
– Kaitlin Noe, Contributing Writer, The College of William and Mary