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

The most rewarding part of being a mom is watching my son overcome challenges with pure joy in his heart. As an autistic toddler, his milestones look different, but every word, smile, and hug feels like a miracle. Motherhood has taught me resilience, fierce love, depth and how to celebrate progress in all its forms. Seeing him grow into his own light reminds me that I was handpicked to love him exactly as he is and that is the greatest gift.

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

I’ll never forget the first time my son crawled. He lit up with excitement, realizing he could finally move on his own. As a mom to an autistic child with motor skill delays, we worked so hard for that moment. It wasn’t just crawling it was freedom, progress, and joy all at once. I cried happy tears watching him explore, knowing how much it took for him to get there. His gummy smile while racing around the room is engraved in my heart, and memory forever.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would use it to create a stable home for my son, something we can truly call ours. I’d also invest in launching my podcast to uplift and connect with other moms, especially full time students, and working mothers like me trying to balance it all. This blessing would ease the weight I carry daily, giving me room to breathe, grow, and pour even more love into my son and my dreams. It would help me create a life rooted in joy, not just survival.