New Haven Register Mothers Day contest What is the most important lesson your mother taught you?

Runner-up: Alexandra Nofi, Shelton

Winner, $50 gift certificate, The Mochi Store, New Haven
My mother has had a difficult life, and to make a long story short, has been treated poorly by many people over the course of 56 years. My father was verbally abusive to both of us, she is a survivor of stage 3 uterine cancer, and you would never know upon meeting her that she has multiple sclerosis. We live in an age where women are still treated unfairly in comparison to men. Through all of these things, she has not only remained strong, but she has also refused to take it. She believes that all people should be treated humanely, no matter who they are. We are all people, no matter how we look. If I had not been brought up by someone so open-minded and strong, I would not be doing one of the things I love most: teaching. I work for a nonprofit which helps resettle displaced refugees. My students mean everything to me. They are not average children. They are refugees, who come from various parts of Africa and the Middle East. It is my job to nurture them and to be open to their culture so that their introduction to the classroom is smooth and positive. They have varying backgrounds and carry baggage that no child should ever see or go through. It is my job to be strong for them, so that they can be strong after everything they have been put through.