by Divya

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

When I was younger, I would ignore my mother's words and advice. However as I grew older, I realized her profound thoughts were both meaningful to me and relevant to my particular hardships, experiences, and decisions.

"The tongue has no bones in it". This is the motivating statement my mother throws at me when I feel like giving up. She is indeed correct - actions do speak louder than words.

I have applied this quote to many aspects of my education and career pursuits. In college my first major was Business - I utilized SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) to investigate and plan my endeavors accordingly. When I changed my major to Biomedical Science I struggled to finish the major. My mother told me - "Persistence is key - the lock is the Challenge".

I managed to graduate and receive a Bachelors in Science with honors. When I finally decided to apply to medical school, I realized my Medical College Admission Test scores were quite low. I was nervous to apply. My mother said "Our lives should have purpose, and if we are unsure then we are not responding to our true calling.

I moved west to Tucson, AZ after completing my studies in Michigan. I was scared to move such a long distance, however, my mother replied "A dynamic approach is a result of diverse experiences."

When my heart would get crushed by yet another boyfriend and I ached to get back together with him, my mother advised, "A relationship is delicate like a glass. Once it's broken, it will not hold water".

In addition, after falling head over heels with someone, my mother cautioned, "Love is a state of mind that has little to do with the mind".

My mother encouraged me to pursue a teaching certification. She emphasized "We must make use of our God given talents. When the will rises, even God takes notice".

During the course of certification I did extremely well. I aced my classes and gained employment even before I finished the certification. But a family crisis occurred and it resulted in the loss of my job. My only sibling had passed away at the age of twenty. I didn't know what to say, and for once my mother was also at a loss for words. But I mustered up the courage to console my mother the way she consoled me during my low times - "Mom", I ventured, "We are strong and closer to heaven now that he's gone. He is a direct communicator with God through our prayers".

Each and every day I am thankful for my mother's advice. She has taught me well. I look forward to the strong and contemplative statements my mother provides me. To me she is a mentor and a mother. To me she is my inspiration.

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