When I was 11 years old, my dad tragically passed away. My amazing mom stepped up to care for me in every way possible. As a child, I solely felt the pain of losing my father. I did not understand the amount of hardships my mom was suffering during this time. Now that I have grown up, I have a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude towards the woman who raised me during our grief. After my father’s passing, I decided I wanted to be nurse in order to help and comfort those in need. My mother also desired to be a nurse, but unfortunately her path turned out to be quite different after my dad’s passing. She had to quit school in order to support me and my goals. This included her working extra hours in order to support me financially. She wanted me to have everything and more, including sending me off to school in order to be the nurse she never could be. My mom has been my biggest motivator throughout my life. As a first generation student, she has been beyond proud and supportive of me. She has shared with me that she has always dreamed of me achieving a life that I desire. My mom has been my rock through my times of grief. I still struggle with the death of my father to this day. On my bad days, I still cry to my mom, and she is there to comfort me every single time. She pushes me to keep going even when I am stressed and discourage. My mom, having been through many more experiences throughout her life, mainly helps me through her knowledge. She constantly tells me what is best for me rather than what I want to hear. While at the time I might not understand, my mom truly just wants the best for me. She wants me to succeed and have a grand future in every way possible. I will forever adore my mother for her huge strength and ability to raise me with such love. While she was battling one of the hardest fights throughout her life, she managed to support and listen to my dreams. I am so grateful for every dollar my mom has saved and spent for me to have a good life. She is currently saving for a laptop so that I can have one for college. She is always thinking about me and what I need, and I aspire to be half the woman she is.