My mom has taught me that in life you’ve always got to give of yourself first. She pushed through as a single mom to give me the best bilingual education there was. My mom always somehow managed to be there for us, even though she had to make it work. Once she remarried things were a bit different for all, but she kept finding ways to make us come first and live a sheltered and protected life because that’s what love meant to her. Mi mamá always taught me to be kind, compassionate of others, and that a good demeanor, a smile and good taste can open many doors.