By baseballgal
on Aug 08, 2012  

My uncle and grandfather played big parts in my determination to go to college when all others in my family had never gone. They set high expectations for me and engaged me in questions about how school was, the challenges, my future goals, where I planned to go to college etc.

By AllThoseThingsILove
on Aug 09, 2012  

I was fortunate to be surrounded by adults who treated me with respect. My mothers friends were all smart women who never treated me as a child/teenager. My opinion was valued and I was included in the conversation. Through them, I saw that if I worked hard I could do almost anything. Expectations were there, but subtle.

By amy9359
on Aug 09, 2012  

Unlike parents of today, mine were very hands off when it came to school. You either did well...or you didn't, but it was totally up to you. (Of course, they were disappointed if you didn't bring home good grades.) They tended to teach by example. My father was a hard working, responsible man and my mother was equally hard working as a stay-at-home mom. After high school, I did have the great fortune to be mentored by a co-worker who was incredibly talented. He took me under his wing and helped me build on my natural talents. Ultimately, I have enjoyed a successful 25+ year career due, in part, to his encouragement, but mostly due to my own determination.

By angelthatsins
on Aug 09, 2012  

My parents always remind me how good we have it. Their generation was not as fortunate as theirs and we should always take advantage of that..