Takahyrae Lewis
Hewlett
Memoirs
4.1

One of my most inspiring and influential person to me would be my mother. A lot of people come to mind when asked that question. But, I don’t think anyone could have been more influential to me other than her. For as long as I can remeber,what ever idea or motive I had she inspired me to do it. She always made sure I followed my dreams and never let anyone stop me, even her. My mother has three degrees and was a single mother sending me to a private school she really couldn’t afford. She always strived for better and more which drives me to do the same. One year, a bright and sunny day ;and my birthday at the time, my mom told me she could not get me anything for my birthday that year. She was low on money and bills had to be paid. She already taught me the lesson “business first, pleasure later’. So I understood the situation and hoped for a better tomorrow. She seen my attitude towards the situation and replied with a smile of joy and relief. It made me feel good to see my mother relieved and happy with my reply. Later on during the following month of August; because my birthday is July 30th, she surprised me even better than a regular birthday gift. She said, ‘usually kids get fussy when they can’t get anything for their birthday and you didn’t. I thank and respect you for that.’And from that I learned the lesson to just be grateful for what you have. She also taught and inspired me to always be loving, kind, and respectful. Everywhere my mother goes she is known and respected and I always admired that.

She is a social worker and meet a lot of people throughout Memphis. I follow through my mother’s footsteps not only because she’s my mother but she enlightens me. A lot of my daily choices are based off her because I always think,’ what would mom do?’ She always taught me to love and never hate, leading to why I try to be kind and nice to everyone. She always said, “Your smile could brighten up anyone’s day no matter how dark it is.” And I’m witness to this because I have seen her do it and I’ve done it as well. One moment of respect i remember my mom getting was when she worked with at children's home named Saint Peters. All the children and employess there addressed and greeted my mom with respect. Not out of a fear but out of an understanding/comfortable way. LIke the kids and employees were cool with my mom on a personal level. Overall, my mother is my number one inspiration next to God. She guides me and astray me from hatred. She is a great leader and my hero, my mother Tarji Little.