Learning Experience #2: Home Is Where Your Mom Is

Without a doubt, the most vital piece of information that I have learned in college is: home is where your mom is. This may seem cheesy and not academic in terms of learning experiences; however, by being away from my mom, her kitchen, and her hugs, I have realized how influential a role my mom has played in shaping my world. Typically, when we think of moms we think of someone helping us do our laundry, feeding our hungry tummies, and coming to our rescue when we need them most. However, my mom capitalizes on all of these opportunities to degrees that are almost unfathomable. Not only does my mom stay up with me on late nights of studying when I feel like I can’t go on, but she also reminds me that what really matters is the way we go about these experiences. In life, times come along when we feel bogged down, unmotivated, and helpless; however, these experiences can drastically be changed by the way we look at our circumstances. According to my mommy, a homemade snack, a bubble bath, and a hug can fix everything. How right she is indeed. She has reminded me that as long as we enjoy ourselves along the way, we are succeeding in every sense. Sometimes, the journeys we go on are far more important than any outcome we could hope for. My mom has taught me that if you put on some lipstick and a smile and you can conquer the world. Kill them with kindness and will always be victorious. Thankfully, I chose to go to school close to home. The days I get to meet up with my mom for lunch or a quick chat are some of my favorite days in college simply because I have learned not to take mom moments for granted. My mom is one of those moms who genuinely mothers everyone (and animal) she sees. For example, during the winter, my mom puts heating pads on our front porch for all of the stray animals in our neighborhood. They know exactly what time to show up on our porch to be loved on and fed. When one of my friends is having a rough day, she drives to campus and brings flowers or homemade goodies. Even my friends that have never met my mom know her through her random acts of kindness. Everyone who has ever met me knows how incredible my mom is. To say I have been raised by a true southern belle is a complete understatement. Every single day, my mom is the guide that I base my life on She is a constant reminder to always have big hair, a big heart, and big dreams. Because of the impact my mom has had on me, I hope to mirror exactly that on the people I meet, for I know understand how truly special and life changing it is. I would consider it a success to become even half the mom that she is. Anywhere my mom goes, it feels like home. Whether we are on vacation, driving down university, or snuggled up on the couch watching the Food Network, it always feels like a room full of love. Many times we take for granted the people that have impacted us the most, because they are often the people most present in our lives. Because we become accustomed to having them around, we lose sight of how special it is to have the care and support of those people. Meeting new people in college is one of the greatest ways to show others the values that have been instilled by those who have helped shape us. When someone calls me southern, I simply explain that they haven’t seen anything until they have met my mom. In our house, there is always something warm in the over, something delicious on the stove, and something ready in the fridge…all at one time. When it comes to my mom, you can hear her from a mile away not because she is loud, but because her laugh is contagious. She epitomizes idea that laughter is the best medicine. Whether I am having a tough day, embarrassed myself, or simply need a good laugh, my mom is always there to supply exactly that. From her dance moves in the kitchen to her perfectly done hair at all times of day in all types of weather, my mom never fails to put a smile on my face. In my room there is a framed picture of my mom holding a sign that says: Keep Calm and Call Mom. Of all the advice I have ever received, this one has always proved to be the right solution. I will always be grateful for the love and encouragement that my mom has shown me over the years and consistently shows me each and every day. Even though I no longer live at home, my mom still manages to put treats in my tummy, come to the rescue when needed, and most of importantly, be my best friend.