What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

I’ve always enjoyed watching my children grow into their own identity. They are so kind and giving and I believe that I instilled that into them. They’re so open with how they view the world and they don’t judge anyone. Something as simple as helping them get ready for school is such benefit to my everyday life. Being a mom is the greatest gift that I could’ve ever received. It gives me so much joy to know that the two people I love the most feel the same way about me. They’re my everything!

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

I will never forget when I held my oldest daughter for the first time. My heart was so full. I had an emergency cesarean because our heart rates were dropping. They put me to sleep but I didn’t know because I wasn’t stable. When I woke up I didn’t know where she was and I had to wait until the next day to see her in the NICU. My youngest daughter was the moment she was born. I was overjoyed because I couldn’t witness this the first time. Once her face touched mine, I knew my family was complete.

What would you do with $20,000?

My oldest daughter is a freshman in college and she was able to stay on campus the first semester, but the second semester wasn’t feasible. I’m a single mother so only my income supports us. I don’t have enough to pay for room and board so she has to commute for two hours everyday to school. This money will help me pay for a full college experience without struggling from paycheck to paycheck. This year has been the hardest for me financially but I’m always optimistic about our future.