We asked our Stroll Lake Jeanette student interns to share about their moms in their own words. Their responses are a simple reminder of what matters most.

Sai Samtani describes his mom, Harsha Mirchandani, as “funny, generous, and empathetic.” One of the biggest lessons she’s passed along is the importance of staying humble and working hard—something Sai clearly carries with him. When he thinks back on time spent together, it’s not one big moment that stands out, but many smaller ones, especially watching TV together during COVID. “We would watch The Voice,” he says, recalling the comfort of those shared evenings. For Sai, what makes his mom special comes down to the full picture: “She teaches me valuable lessons, has fun with me, and loves me unconditionally.”

For former intern Roshan Sood, his mom, Poonam Sood, is “determined, loving, and selfless.” Of the many lessons she’s taught him, one stands out most: to trust in the future. “She has taught me that everything has its purpose in our lives,” he says, “and that even if something is bad in the moment, it can set into motion even greater results.”

One of his favorite memories goes back to a simple moment from childhood, being chased around the dining table. “I can still remember looking back and seeing the smile on her face and hearing her laughter,” he says. “It was one of pure joy.”

When he reflects on what makes his mom special, it’s the consistency of everything she does. “There are so many things that go unnoticed that she does for our family,” he says. “She is my ultimate support system.” He describes her as someone who is always working to improve the lives of the people around her. “My mom is my superhero.”

Nina Ramaswamy describes her mom, Cristina, as “helpful, caring, and kind.” One of the lessons that has stayed with her is simple but lasting: to always present herself well. A favorite memory takes her to New York City, where she and her mom spent time together before Nina headed off to summer camp. “We did some things around the city before I got dropped off,” she says, recalling how they saw the Michael Jackson musical and made the night feel special. For Nina, what stands out most is her mom’s steady care and guidance. “She cares for me like no one else has before,” she says. “She teaches me things that are important—and even though I sometimes ignore it, she is always right.”

For Sameera Mannam, her mom, Veena Nandigam, is “caring, selfless, and patient.” She credits her with teaching her how to cook—an everyday skill that also carries meaning beyond the kitchen. One of her favorite recent memories is a trip they took together to Ocean Isle Beach earlier this year. Sameera’s appreciation comes through clearly when she reflects on her mom’s role in her life. “She always shows unconditional love and support,” she says. “She constantly makes sacrifices to make sure I am happy and cared for, and she puts a lot of effort into helping and encouraging me, even when it takes extra time and energy.”

Barrett Wilson describes his mom, Christen Wilson, as “kind, caring, and hardworking.” Along the way, she’s taught him something simple but important: how to laugh with others. One memory that stands out is a moment of encouragement—when she convinced him to face his fear and ride a very tall roller coaster, White Lightning at Six Flags. It’s a snapshot of trust and support that stuck with him. “My mom is special because she is all I ever wanted in a mother,” Barrett says. “She’s kind, isn’t afraid to stand up for herself, and loyal to her friends and family.”