My mother, a doctor, fought hard for her patients, which taught me the value of community support. Despite her challenges, the community always looked out for my sister and me.

Despite growing up without a mother, my childhood was happy, thanks to my father's sacrifices for my education and my grandmother's influence as a free-spirited role model.

I underestimated how incredible my father was; he worked hard and always expressed love, which I appreciated.

The biggest lesson I learned from my mom is how to make people feel heard and welcomed; her warmth and ability to create special memories is something I want to pass on to my kids. Mom guilt is one of the hardest things to deal with, and it's important to separate that feeling from your own sanity and happiness.

I believe that my life has been shaped by my mother, my father, my teachers, and the environment I grew up in, instilling values of empathy and service in me.

I realized that my childhood challenges, including my mother's struggles as a single mom and a doctor, shaped my desire to make a difference in the world.

I believe that my life has been shaped by my mother, my father, my teachers, and the environment I grew up in.

I believe that my life has been shaped by my mother, my father, my teachers, and the environment I grew up in.

My parents gave me a lot of freedom during my childhood, allowing me to explore and develop my interests, which I believe was crucial for my success.