The clicks of my 5 in. heels echoed as we hiked the stairs looking for our row. The cold stadium seats brought goosebumps down my arms, and the anticipation grew in the air. My grandpa’s Old Spice cologne was on my right while my uncles excitement radiated from my left. The clicks of my 5 in. heels echoed as we hiked the stairs looking for our row. The cold stadium seats brought goosebumps down my arms, and the anticipation grew in the air. My grandpa’s Old Spice cologne was on my right while my uncles excitement radiated from my left.

My mom was graduating from TWU with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She left high school early with her GED and went straight to working. It wasn’t until I was in middle school that she decided to go back to college to start a career for herself.

Smiles spread across the stadium as my eyes darted around the floor looking for my mom.

Her dark curled hair, the black cap with silver writing and her golden sash with matching cords. My eyes couldn’t seem to focus on her because there was sea of people dressed almost identically. The graduating class of 2015 was lined up on the floor when I locked eyes with her. She was dramatically waving her arms to get our attention and had her body turned all the way around to look up at her family. My grandpa and my uncles were there because they were excited and proud. I was there because she was always there for me, no matter what.

We’ve been alone since I was three months old.  As a single mom, she had to fill the role of both parents. My mom had no time for herself. She had to work full time to support us and then come home and be a mother. We moved around a lot trying to find a perfect fit. From Spur to Lubbock to Frisco to Shallow Water and now Flower Mound. Moving was always hard, but no matter what town, what house or what school, all we needed was each other. Without her I wouldn’t be who I am today.

The only constant thing in my life was my mom, and I will forever be grateful for her. We were best friends before I even understood those words. We are always finding new shows to binge watch together, and neither of us can pass up a Sunday morning filled with coffee and Say Yes to the Dress. But trust me, we would both much rather sleep in. And as I grow older, I realize she is the best mom anyone could ever ask for.

When she told me she was going back to school, I was shocked. My mom was going to go get her bachelor’s degree so she could do what she’s been dreaming of for so long — social work. She changed her degree multiple times, but I always supported whichever path she wanted to take. Those four years didn’t pass so smoothly though. There were times when she wanted to give up.

There were days where all she wanted to do was sit on the couch and watch TV with me, but her dedication to get that diploma was greater. She spent weekends editing essays and studying. Some days I was almost jealous of her computer, but I was too proud of her to say anything.

So as I watched them call her name, a single tear found its way onto my cheek, followed by a bright smile on my face. Watching her walk across that stage and get her diploma I saw the thousands of cups of coffee, the candy pumpkins and the Friends reruns—I saw the woman that raised me.

My mom found her seat as I lowered into mine. The tear stained my cheek as she turned to look at me. Our smiles matched as we realized she finally did it. After everything we’ve been through, she is an inspiration to me, and I have learned so much from her. She taught me that hard work pays off as long as your heart’s in it.