From mom, with love.

We all play various roles in our lives — a student at school, a friend in your closest circle, a daughter or son in your family or even a colleague at work. Each one demands a different part of who you are.

However, I’d like to argue that being a mom is quite possibly the hardest role in the world. From being a cheerleader and teacher to being a superhero, it’s a multifaceted role that doesn’t end or come with a manual.

Behind every student, there is a mother figure who believed in us and wanted what’s best for us, even when we wanted to give up. At best, moms are the most selfless human beings out there — they offer the purest form of love. With the different roles they have to play, the profound insights they have come from lived experience and quiet strength. That’s why moms always seem to know just what to say — whether we’re ready to hear it or not.

If you want to seek perspective, moms are the go-to trusted advisor — wise, honest and always in your corner.  In celebration of Mother’s Day, we share the greatest advice students receive from their mothers.

Fly high, stay grounded

Jessica Lobo, a global business management student, said that the best advice she received from her mother is to “fly high but always stay grounded.” As her number one motivator, her mother constantly reminds her to reach for the stars while staying true to her roots — advice Jessica holds close to her heart, no matter where life takes her.

Looking back, Lobo said that this mantra was something she didn’t think much of before, but has carried her through the highs and lows of being an international student. The loving reminder has helped her make confident decisions. Whether chasing new opportunities or facing challenges far from home, Jessica credits her mother’s words. They helped her strike a balance between ambition and authenticity.

“I’ve always pushed myself to take new opportunities, but I’ve also stayed true to who I am,” Lobo said.

Independence first

Ella Santamaria is finishing her final semester in the social service worker program. Being the only daughter among a group of brothers, Santamaria said her mother has always been keen on making sure she could hold her own and never rely on anyone else to define her worth.

A golden rule that Santamaria has lived by, one she considers the greatest advice she ever got from her mom, is to have an established career and build her own wealth.

“As a woman, it is important to have your own thing going so that you will be alright no matter what,” Santamaria said.

Santamaria further mentioned that her mom always circled the idea that being a strong, independent woman can get her out of situations she doesn’t want to be in. This pep talk, Santamaria said, is even more meaningful because her mother doesn’t just say these words — she lives them every day.

Lend a hand, take a hand

Somya Grover, a data analytics student, said she has received many nuggets of wisdom from her mom. But if she had to pick one, it was to give help freely. Grover said her mom has always been big on lending a hand to the people who need it most. This principle was instilled in her as a young child and continues to be her guiding principle.

Moreover, she said that this advice comes in two parts. Grover said that as much as you are willing to lend a hand, you should also be brave enough to reach out when you need one. It’s an affirmative nudge that there’s courage in asking to be lifted up.

“It’s strong to help others—and just as strong to admit when you need help,” Grover said.

Be kind, but set boundaries

Tourism – travel services management student Alejandra Villasenor’s face lit up when asked about her mom’s noteworthy advice. She said her mom has been her go-to person for everything.

For Villasenor, the greatest advice from her mom was that “kindness doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.” That means being generous with your kindness but setting boundaries so people don’t take advantage of you. She said this is a lesson she applies in school, especially in group work. With her mom’s advice at heart, she advocates for fair work for every group member.

“It has inspired me to lead with kindness but know where to draw the line,” Villasenor said.

Mom said it best!

In every stage of life, there’s one constant we can always count on: mom’s voice echoing in our minds, offering the kind of wisdom that never goes out of style. Her advice — whether softly spoken, lovingly firm or wrapped in humour — has a way of showing up exactly when we need it.

This Mother’s Day, we honour the women behind the scenes. Whether it’s words of encouragement whispered over long-distance calls or gentle reminders passed down through generations, the advice from our moms leaves an imprint that lasts.

So, if you’re reading this, call your mom or a mother figure who has served as a pillar of support. The idea of a mom can look like your grandmother or the mother of your friend group. Tell her how much it means to have someone like her in your life. Trust us, those words of affirmation will mean the world to her.

What is the best advice your mother has given you? Tag us @shareignite! We’d love to hear it!

Feature image courtesy of Elina Fairytale via Pexels.

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