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

The most rewarding part of being a mom is watching my children use the lessons that they learn at home to support their peers and make a world a better place. At home, my children are taught to treat others as they would want to be treated, and to stand up and speak up in the face of injustice. To watch the real world "test" them in moments of pressure and see them rise to the occasion is so fulfilling.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood is a delightfully exhausting adventure, one that has taught me resilience, empathy, and patience: Even when I'm exhausted and feel like I have only an empty cup from which to pour, I look at my husband and children and am motivated to keep going.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would immediately give at least 20% of the money back to my children's school, our church, and charities that help underserved mothers and children in the Washington, D.C. area, such as the DC Diaper Bank or Mamatoto Village. Despite the challenges my family has faced we remain more fortunate and privileged than others. Next, I would pay off debt that my husband and I have. Finally, I would go out on three solo dates: one with my husband, one with my daughter, and one with my son.