My advice is to not get so caught up in your own life that you don't have time to hear about the lives of those who you care about. I say that because often times we (and I have been guilty of this recently!) get caught in our own situations that we don't have time to hear what our mothers, sisters, nephews, brothers etc have going on. Listen now because you may not have that opportunity later.

My mom always told me "Shoulda, coulda wouldas don't count in this world."

There are so many!!
 

I am so blessed to have been raised with a common-sense, head-on-her-shoulders, strength-filled Black mother. I was her and my dad's first born and they found out that I had hearing loss. They were determined to raise me as a strong, confident woman. Add to that the wonderful women who have been my "aunties" and have held me up, I have SO MANY good words. Here's one for starters:

Dad:
I was talking to him about whether or not I should think about going to some really big, prestigious schools in order to further my education. He said "I have seen people come out of no-name schools that are brilliant, and Ivy League graduates that shame their schools. It is about YOU. Do NOT be intimidated by these people or their names, it means nothing. Just become the BEST at what you do and you will be fine." Coming from someone who is an acclaimed professor/researcher at a prestigious school, it was really saying something to me. Over the years in grad school, this has helped me so much.

more to come later...

So true. Life is what you make of it, it's not all about what school you come from. Think of how many college students there are out there, bottom line is if you give it your best then that's all that matters. :]

"Never make someone your priority when you are only their option"...I still struggle with this. But I'm trying.