I come from a world where all it takes is a mother and daughter to complete a family. A world where my best friend has and always will be my mom. My mother has raised me and taken care of me all on her own; for my whole life it has just been us two. One can only imagine how close we are and how our relationship has grown. I have always been an interested and curious young girl, asking questions and wanting to know more. My mom has always been open and honest with me, teaching me to do the same. I have never been afraid to voice my opinion or talk to my mom about anything. Even when I was a young child in elementary school I felt safe to ask my mom anything. One morning my mother was driving me to school to the Palisades all the way from our home in Culver City. I was wondering how my mom does it all. How does she have the money to send me to a private elementary school? How does she have the money to pay for gas to drive from Culver City to the Pacific Palisades, and then to Beverly Hills where she works? I then continued to inquire how not only does she do it all, but also how does she do it all on her own? So I asked her, “Mom, how come you can do everything by yourself? Why do other parents say they wouldn’t be complete if they didn’t have each other?” My mom took a deep breath. “Aisling, the reason I can do it all without relying on a husband to help, is because it has always been that way. I’m not used to having anyone else help me, so I just do it. It would be much easier at times if I was married, but I like it this way. I like that I don’t have to share you with your father. But I also don’t need to be married because I work so hard.” Even though my mom did not graduate college, she has always been a diligent and successful woman. All of the friends and kids that surrounded me, had a mother and a father to pay the bills and get everything done. They never had to worry about whether or not they would still live in the house they live in. They never even had to think about giving their dogs away to save money. Having to endure these scary thoughts and rough times, I feel that I am a more realistic person. I know that nothing is handed to you; you have to work hard to be successful. Some children and even adults do not understand that. I have learned from my mother to always remember who you are and stay true to your values despite the harsh circumstances. From bearing these hardships, my mom has showed me the importance of working hard in school. She has always sent me to the best schools, because she wants me to exceed her accomplishments. I know that I will do so. I have also learned from my mother to never take anything for granted; always be thankful for the opportunities that have been created for me. One important lesson I have learned from my mother is that I don't need a man or anyone else to be successful. I am my own person and I have control of my future. With that being said, I know I will achieve greatness and have a bright future. I may not have learned these life lessons or known the importance of diligence if it weren't for my own hard working, successful mother.