Mother's Day was just last week, but my mom had another special holiday dedicated to her last weekend. It was her birthday, May is definitely double whammy for my sister and I. Thinking about how great my mom is makes me gushy and the month of May gives me the perfect opportunity to tell all of you how much she rocks.

The essay questions that asked you to choose a hero were always so easy for me. I always, always chose my mom. And not because it was the easy choice, but because watching my mom when I was growing up truely set the stage for the kind of woman I hope to be one day. I've watched my mom take on the world to make sure my sister and I never had to worry about it. Even today, I know there is nothing she wouldn't do to protect me. She inspires me, the picture I keep of her on my desk encourages me in my darkest moments of self doubt.

My mom finished her degree with two small children, I watched her walk across the stage and get her Masters degree, she let nothing and no one get in her way, because she knew she had two young ladies looking to her to learn what it took to be a woman. Watching my mom growing up I learned what was important and what wasn't. I learned that it's important to be careful with your words, never say anything that you don't mean and always back up your words with actions. She taught me that what other people think, including herself, does not matter as long as I believe in what I'm doing. She taught me that it was important to make a as big of an impact as I could, that "its too hard" is not a reason to give up. She taught me that being frustrated was okay, quitting is not. Family is important, friends my come and go. Always read every single thing you sign your name to and never be afraid to ask the smallest questions. I'm 22 now, and everyday my mom teaches me something new. After all, a hero's work is never done.