Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Watching my son grow into an amazing and empathetic young adult with so much ambition. When I got pregnant in 2003, I was a 21-year-old college student; the same age my son is now. I was making just $1 above minimum wage, sharing a dorm room with one of my sorority sisters. I had NO clue what I was going to do with a baby! But with the help of my awesome village, I learned. I went on to graduate with my B.A. in 2006 when my son was 2yrs old. I later earned my Masters degree in 2011 when he was 8

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

My son LOVES learning new things, and sharing what he's learned with others. When he was in kindergarten, he attended a private Catholic school, in which a religion class was included as part of his curriculum. During a visit with my grandmother one afternoon, he couldn't wait to tell her all about the new Bible story he learned about in class that week: The 3 Hebrew Boys named "Shadrach, Jack Black & Billy Goat" (a.k.a. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)!

What would you do with $20,000?

First I'd make small donations to a few choice charities/local nonprofits that I have personally supported over the years through volunteerism. I'd then pay my son's car off so that he can have the freedom to direct his personal finances on building his startup clothing business while he completes his education. Finally, I'd take what's left and split the funds between my savings account, an investment fund, and set aside a small percentage for myself to enjoy as I please!