Growing up, I’ve always admired my mom. She’s the type of person who doesn’t just talk about kindness—she lives it in ways both big and small. For years, she’s been more than just a teacher to her students. She’s been a mentor, a steady presence, and, sometimes, the only person in their world who truly listens.
Today, I witnessed something that reminded me once again why I hold her in such high regard.
One of her students arrived at class carrying more than just books and worries about grades. This young parent had no choice but to bring their little one along because their babysitter had fallen through. Most people would probably see this as a distraction, or even a problem to be solved. But my mom? She saw an opportunity to show understanding.
Instead of shaming the student, she welcomed the child without hesitation. She cleared a small space in the classroom where the baby could sit comfortably, brought out a few colorful markers and papers, and even handed over a snack she had stashed in her desk. With a warm smile, she reassured the student: “Don’t worry. You belong here. Your education matters, and so does your child.”
What struck me most was how natural it was for her. She didn’t stop the lesson, didn’t make a big announcement. She simply folded this small moment of compassion into the rhythm of the day. The class continued, and the child quietly played while their parent took notes.
It may not sound like much, but to me—and to that student—it was everything. In a world where it’s easy to be judged for struggling, my mom chose grace over criticism. She reminded everyone in the room that education should never come at the cost of dignity, and that being a parent shouldn’t mean giving up on your dreams.
Later, when I asked her about it, she brushed it off as no big deal. “Sometimes people just need a little help,” she said with a shrug. But to me, that’s exactly why she’s my role model. She doesn’t wait for applause. She doesn’t do it for recognition. She does it because it’s who she is.
This simple act of kindness made me think about how often we underestimate the power of empathy. My mom may not realize it, but she changed the trajectory of that student’s day—and maybe even their life. By choosing compassion, she gave them the encouragement to keep going, despite the challenges stacked against them.
It’s moments like these that remind me: the world doesn’t just need more teachers. It needs more people willing to teach through example—people who lead with patience, love, and humanity. My mom is one of those people, and I couldn’t be prouder to call her mine.