While this isn't my story, it is my Mother's, and it's one of the funniest stories I've ever heard! This incident happened when my Mom was 17. I am currently 17, so I'm starting to understand the embarrassment she felt when this happened in her teens. My Mom was a contestant in our local Jr. Miss pageant (now called the Outstanding Young Woman Program). During rehearsals, the contestants were told that they would be doing mock fishbowl questions. There was a panel of "judges" set up that consisted of important community members. School Principals, business owners, tv personalities, etc. Each contestant would be judged on their response to their question, their personality, and their composure. The contestants were told by their advisor that if they didn't know how to respond to a question, simply say "I don't have any information on that subject" instead of making something up. My Mom's question was "what are your thoughts on euthanasia?" At the time, as a 17 year old, my Mom hadn't heard of that. So, her response was, "I'm sorry, but I don't have any information on the youth in Asia." She said that the judges all looked at one another and then after a few seconds, busted out laughing! Her response was so innocent and pure. She had no information on euthanasia or the youth in Asia!! And while she may not have answered the question properly, she sure got those personality points!

My Mom is my best friend. I come from a divorced family and have two siblings on my dad's side. But on my mom's side, I'm her only child. Because of this, we share a very special bond. Ever since I was little, my Mom has always taken me on adventures. I've been to more concerts than I can count. She's taken me to amusement parks, the beach, movies, sporting events, and everything in between. But some of my favorite times are when my mom says "want to get Dunkin?" Because those are the times it's just us. Time where she asks me about my day. We get caught up on my grades, what my friends are doing, things that are bothering me, etc. To me, this is one of life's simple pleasures. It doesn't cost much, and it gives us time to bond. My mom is my best friend, biggest cheerleader, and someone I know will always be there for me.

Do you get anxiety when you have a doctors appointment? Me too. Not so much the dentist (I've never had a cavity!), but more so my pediatrician. I've had the same one since I was born, and while he is nice, he doesn't have great bedside manner. Every time my parents would tell me I had a doctors appointment, I'd immediately get anxiety. Heart pounding, palms sweating, anxiety. And it was all I could think about for the days or weeks to come before my appointment. Because of that, I have chosen to study to become a Pediatric Physician's Assistant. I want to be the type of Doctor that kids get excited to see! One that greets them with a smile. Talks with them with care and concern. And genuinely listens to them and has fun with them. I also plan to be the type of Doctor that would never turn a family away, regardless of their ability to pay. There are many reasons that people choose to not go to the Doctor. I hope to never be one of those reasons.

Don't sign up for credit cards just because you get a free t-shirt! A lesson I learned from my Mom. When she entered college, she was always looking for freebies. At the college fairs you could get a free t-shirt, water bottle, bag, etc. if you signed up for certain credit cards. She signed up for a lot!! But didn't realize the impact that would have on her credit score, and her ability to pay back her credit card debt. I do plan to sign up for one credit card, that I will use for purchases, and pay off each month. I know that will help build my credit score and make me a responsible teen with my money.