When I look at my mom, I see an independent, confident, gorgeous and amazing woman. I aspire to be the woman that she is. My mom truly is one of my best friends. I'd be lost without her. She is role model and has taught me everything I know. That being said, here are some the lessons that she has taught me:

1. Do not care so much about what other people think.

I've been known to let what people say get to me sometimes. My mom, on the other hand, will simply just brush it off. She does not care what other people think about her, nor does she let things get to her.

2. Do not waste your time on shallow people. I've had people come and go in my life. And my mom has always been the one to tell me who is loyal and who isn't. Every time, she's right.

3. Focus on what's important. My mom has always been the one to tell me to strive for my goals. Telling me I need to focus on what will matter in the long run.

4. Always be aware of your surroundings. With everything going on in the world, it can be quite scary. My mom always made me aware of “street smarts.”

5. Stay strong. No matter what was going on in my life, my mom constantly told me to stay strong. Just because life may get rough at times, does not mean it will always be like that.

6. Don't be afraid to be a bitch. There are going to be some people you encounter who will be unnecessarily rude. My mom always inspired me to not be afraid of other people who are giving me attitude, and if someone is, I should give them their attitude right back.

My mom has taught me so much and I thank her every day for It. Without her, I wouldn't be the woman I am today.