As an only child also lacking any cousins on either side of my family, I have always been very close to my parents, especially my mother. 

Growing up, I regularly found myself to be independent, entertaining myself when no one was around and finding friends in nature when the elementary schoolyard was less than pleasant to my self-esteem. 

There were times when I felt I would never have friends that were genuinely nice to me, until I realized I always had my mom.

As a young child and adolescent, it was never “cool” to be nice to your mom. I knew that even though I admired everything that my mom did, I wouldn’t always allow myself to verbally express my love and appreciation for her. Instead, I would often fill our relationship with little communication and, at times, disrespect.  

Before I transferred to the University, I spent my freshman year at DePaul University. It was the first time I had ever left my parents for a significant amount of time, and I learned that being 100 percent independent is a lot harder than it seems. 

From that point on, I gained respect for both of my parents; I realized how lucky I was to have role models like them, especially my mom. She was there to answer all of my upset phone calls, and taught me how to handle being away from friends and family while I tried to fight making a whole new social life, something I hadn’t done since kindergarten. 

She inspired me to immerse myself in the creative lifestyle that Chicago has to offer, following in her footsteps when she resided in Chicago a few years before I was born and up until my third birthday. She pushed me to put myself out there, and be vulnerable and open to trying new experiences while living in the city. It was a year that I will never forget and always cherish. 

Not only was my mom responsible for helping me find the light in a year that could’ve been dark, but she is also responsible for who I am today. Her love for music and live performances was passed down, creating some of my greatest life experiences through the shows that she encouraged me to attend. My record collection would be nowhere near as fantastic as it is today, and for that, I am ever so grateful — and so are my record-snob friends. 

Without my mom, my palette for good food would be nonexistent. As a daughter of a chef, I have been spoiled beyond belief for meals, which was something I used to take for granted until I officially moved out for college. My mom’s natural ability to combine so many flavors to make one fantastic meal is a skill I have yet to obtain, and I can only hope that one day I will be able to cook a meal as great as hers.

My mom is a fantastic, beautiful woman. There is nothing quite like a mother-daughter relationship, and I am so grateful to experience such a relationship with someone so amazing. 

Only being a sophomore in college, I have realized that with growing up  — even if you don’t want to admit it — almost everything you learn, you learn from your parents. That is especially true for a daughter from her mother. Everything I’ve learned on obtaining my own individuality, I’ve learned from my mom. She will forever be my best friend and a constant reminder to always be the best person I can be. And for that, I thank you, Mom. 

Frances is a sophomore in Media.

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