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

Watching my children grow into who they are while knowing I helped shape that foundation is immensely rewarding. We still have our daily and weekly battles, but their perseverance in the face of what life throws at them has been a beautiful process. There is no greater joy as a parent than seeing your child overcome adversity, then blossom and thrive. It’s incredibly fulfilling when I get to witness their kindness, resilience, and grit take root...especially in the difficult moments.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The biggest lesson motherhood has taught me is: love is not just something you feel, but something you choose...especially on the hardest days. It demands that I grow in ways I never expected, teaching me resilience, patience, and the courage to keep showing up even when I feel depleted. I’ve learned that presence over perfection must always be the goal, and that who I become matters just as much as how I raise them. As they continue to develop, I hope to inspire and lead in the best way I can.

What would you do with $20,000?

This life-changing opportunity would provide a fresh start during this disorienting phase ahead. While I'd NEVER exchange the time I spent prioritizing my children over career advancement, it came with a very real cost. As I now prepare for divorce (after ~17 years with my partner), the future is daunting. I would use the $20k to create stability, secure housing, build financial independence, and continue my meaningful work that aligns with my new career, doctoral research, and my role as a mom.