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I’m blessed with a stable home life. Nothing that school counselors look for to explain adolescent behavioral issues has ever happened to me. No divorce, no death, no parental job loss or physical relocation. While our family cars are all well over ten years old, and by necessity I take the brown bag alternative to Caesar wraps at Whole Foods to school every day, I realize that I am fortunate. I haven’t really experienced the type of hardship that makes for a compelling personal statement. My family has had more impact on me than any specific circumstance has, and my mother is probably the one who has most molded my outlook on life. While not exactly telling me to live in the moment, she has certainly stressed that the moment needs to be lived in.

As long as I can remember, my mother has advised me not to “wish my life away.” This was her inevitable response to anything I was eagerly anticipating, including summer camp, a driver’s license or Prom. Her intent was that I slow down and appreciate what she perceived as my carefree years. She believes that by wishing for anything in the future, you’re ignoring the potential of the present. Mom reiterated this thought routinely, and I think perhaps that is why I am intensely observant. People find my attention to detail in my surroundings extraordinary and they often comment on it. I don’t think this is a trait that you are born with. I think it’s a by-product of taking the time to live in the here and now. Another of Mom’s favorite expressions, along these same lines is that “grown-up is forever.” She couldn’t understand my premature desire to wear makeup, watch R-rated movies or find a job. When other mothers commented on the delayed emotional development of their offspring, she would simply shrug, pointing out how long “grown-up” lasts in comparison to fleeting youth. With graduation mere months away, and a new chapter of my life getting ready to unfold, my mother’s wisdom is really...