It’s my mom’s birthday today. I believe mothers around the world are at the same time the most responsible and also have the most potential for changing the world. Why?

Because education is the single biggest thing that can change the world, and education begins not at school but at home. It starts with mothers and fathers showing their children what is acceptable and what is not. Babies at their mother’s breast learn what is okay and how to behave. Home life is the foundation for how a child thinks about learning, which shapes the rest of their life. And our future as a species will be decided by our children.

My mom set a very strong foundation for me as I was growing up. I was expected to learn in school. In fact, I was always expected to learn and grow. If I tried my hand at something, it was expected that I would get better at it over time, that I would improve.

I was also taught that the world is changeable, always in flux, influenceable. That the world was not fixed, that I could make a difference, no matter how big or small.

It was these core foundations that have led me to where I am today. In the traditional sense I am not “successful,” but I know I’m on the right path. I have a future ahead of me, because of my primary belief: we can change the world.

Thank you for everything Mom, I love you. I will never be able to pay back your unconditional love, but I hope I make you proud. Happy Birthday.