My mom is my best friend, my role model, and my hero. In honor of her birthday this week, I wanted to share some insight that my mother has graciously bestowed upon me over the last 20 years. All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my beautiful mother. Thank you, Ima, for teaching me:

1. To Always Stand Up For Myself

When I was younger, my mom would always remind me to never let someone take advantage of me just because I was a child. She taught me to be polite, but firm, or I would never get what I wanted in life. My mom gave me the courage to speak up, not only for myself, but for others. She taught me that confidence and assertiveness can go a long way in a competitive, and often dishonest, world.

2. To Be Generous

Over the last 20 years that I have known her, my mother consistently demonstrated endless amounts of generosity and selflessness, without expecting a single thing in return. I was raised with the understanding that you always give as much as you can, and you always do it unconditionally. I’ve watched her fight friends and family over a check at a restaurant, always insisting on paying for those around her.

3. To Stay True To My Roots

From a very young age my mom instilled in me the morals and values that I have carried with me throughout life. She taught me the importance of my religion, unconditional love, compassion, and modesty. She taught me to embrace life and all of its diversity, while always remembering who I am and what kind of family I come from.

4. To be Accepting

Over the years, I watched my mother welcome people from all walks of life, inviting them into our home and into our lives. I learned about the world from my mom and the deep rooted friendships that she cultivated throughout her life with people of all nationalities, religions, and cultures. I learned from my mom that my own religious and cultural identity serves only to ground me as I embrace others.

5. To Challenge myself

My mom taught me that it is okay to fail, as long as I get right back up and try again. My mom’s life is the greatest example of persistence, ambition, and utmost determination. Everything she sets her mind to, she eventually achieves.

6. The Value of Education

I learned from my mom the value of education and presentation. She taught me to love books, to constantly ask questions, and to always seek information from those around me.

7. To Be Humble

Through example, my mom showed me the importance of being humble and modest. She taught me never to boast about a good grade, a college or job acceptance, or even a successful relationship. I learned from my mother how to be proud of my accomplishments without provoking envy in others.

8. The Important Things in Life

My mom taught me not to sweat the small stuff. When I'd lose a wallet, a pair of sunglasses, a purse, or even an iPhone, she'd remind me that these things were all replaceable. She'd encourage me never to waste my tears on materialistic things, because as long as I had my health and my family I'd never have a reason to worry.

Happy Birthday Ima, I love you endlessly.