1. How has yours or any mother you know, influenced the person you are today?
The biggest influence on my ability to be a mother was my sister. With all her faults, she always grounded me and had wonderful advice to guide me in the role of motherhood.
Nora Whitehurst, Director of Data & Analytics at KERV Interactive
My mother taught me the value of hard work and dedication, not settling for mediocrity in any endeavor I pursue. If I participate, I do my best and try to learn from every situation due to her guidance. My mother also put heavy emphasis on discipline, education and respect of those around you from early on in my childhood. She also instilled that I should be humble and never too good for those around me regardless of the situation or the other person’s standing; help others who are less fortunate and be kind and caring.
Ryan Schoenfeld, Vice President of Digital Strategy at KERV Interactive
SO MUCH. As I grow, I see more and more how much of her has copied over into myself. (I already use her catchphrases!! arghhh!.. lol)
Susan Butler, Product Manager at KERV Interactive
Being selfless. I learned that doing things for others is more rewarding than doing things just for me.
Brad Quinn, Brand Development, TV & Entertainment Solutions at KERV Interactive
Both my mother and grandmother made a large impact on the person I am today. They are kind, loving and driven—all qualities that I strive to be in my daily life. They are understanding and open-minded, allowing me to fully be myself around them while gaining confidence in the person I am today.
Avery Wood, Junior Sales Planner at KERV Interactive
My mother has been the greatest influence in my life and if I become a fraction of the woman (or mother, if that’s in the cards for me) that she is, I’ll be happy. Witnessing her strength and grace over the years has been beyond inspiring to me. She’s always been a safe place for me to turn and has been my rock (especially over the last few years) so, I am everything I am today because of her love and support. I don’t know know where I would be without her.
Bernadette Castillo, Ad Operations Specialist
2. What do you think is the biggest challenge of being a mom?
I think the biggest challenge is external influences. I think every child is very unique and they require different parenting. When outsiders try to tell you how to ‘parent’ without really knowing your child like you do, it isn’t helpful in many cases. You really have to use your gut feelings.
Nora Whitehurst, Director of Data & Analytics at KERV Interactive
Being the glue of the family. Mothers are proportionately responsible in most households for being the backbone of the family and what keeps the family going. I think that’s due in large part to their unique connection with their children during the childbirth process. It’s innate and drives a mom’s motivation to support the family, whether it be financial, emotional or some other means. Mothers are uniquely tasked with always being reliable and accessible to their children. The challenge with all this is having to do so much and being that rock.
Ryan Schoenfeld, Vice President of Digital Strategy at KERV Interactive
The shift from being one entity to two. After you’re a mom, society has trouble seeing you as anything other than “Mom + Kid(s).”
Susan Butler, Product Manager at KERV Interactive
Devoting yourself completely to someone but knowing you can’t keep them safe and with you forever.
Brad Quinn, Brand Development, TV & Entertainment Solutions at KERV Interactive
I think the biggest challenge of being a mom is having to balance taking care of another human with making time for yourself.
Avery Wood, Junior Sales Planner at KERV Interactive
I think being a mother is one of the most challenging things anyone can be and I have the utmost respect for those who choose to be one… so I think it’s hard to narrow down what exactly the biggest challenge is, but as I witnessed one of my closest girlfriend’s journey with motherhood, I think I’d probably say all the changes that you experience at once: becoming a mother seems so completely life-changing- physically, emotionally, socially. I also cannot imagine having a life dependent on you for survival and as I’ve seen her son grow so quickly before my eyes, I’m sure that’s hard too- to have a tiny human so dependent on you, and then increasingly become less dependent as they grow up.
Bernadette Castillo, Ad Operations Specialist
3. If you’re a mom: what has motherhood taught you that you would share with others?
There is no greater love than the love you have for your child. It’s different but so deep!
Nora Whitehurst, Director of Data & Analytics at KERV Interactive
4. If you’d like to be a mom one day, who in your life inspires you to be the kind of mom you dream of?
I’ve always known that being a mom wasn’t for me, but I’ve always admired the strength it takes to create, gestate, and release a part of yourself into the wild. I have admiration for every mom just for managing that!
Susan Butler, Product Manager at KERV Interactive
My grandmother inspires me to be the mom I dream of. She is hardworking, kind and understanding. She acts as both a friend and a mother figure, allowing me to be open and honest yet know there are expectations of me. She does not judge and acts with love first. I hope to be everything she is if I become a mother one day.
Avery Wood, Junior Sales Planner at KERV Interactive
