Everyday I am empowered to be the best version of myself because I know my daughter is always watching and learning from me. Becoming a mom has made me fearless in my pursuit of self love, success and watching my daughter grow and live carefree brings me so much happiness. I have learned that the greatest love truly is that between mother and child and I am eternally grateful to love my daughter and be loved by her every single day.

For my 30th birthday I took a trip to Arizona with a few close friends, my sister, mom and my husband. I also brought my daughter along despite her dad and some of my friends trying to dissuade me from bringing her. It didn’t feel right to me to celebrate without her. Having her was life changing and leaving her behind would’ve prevented me from enjoying my time away. Not because of fear of leaving her with my in laws but because I wanted to share my love of travel with her.

With $20,000 I would plan a family trip to Brazil. I received my masters degree last May and as a graduate requirement, I studied abroad in Brazil for two weeks. Before leaving, I watched the movie Rio with my daughter to teach her about where I would be going. She wanted to go with me to see the beauty of Rio herself but of course I could not bring her. I promised her that one day I would take her. I would also put money aside for her college fund and take her to see the Lion King on Broadway.