We had the chance to catch up with five amazing women who are navigating motherhood. Now, they’re balancing the joys and challenges of raising young kids.
Each mom opned up about her experiences, sharing stories filled with love, laughter, and a few sleepless nights. read along to gain some advice and perspective from these Titans!
Karissa Russ c/o 2011
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a mother that you wish you could share with your younger self?
I’d wrap my younger self in the biggest hug and say, “You don’t have to do it perfectly to do it beautifully.” I’d remind her to stop measuring her worth in how much she could juggle and start paying attention to how much she’s loving.
It isn’t about having all the answers or keeping everything together. It’s about showing up – messy bun, tired eyes, and all. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that presence is more powerful than perfection. Your love, your energy, your way of showing up – that’s what they will remember.
What advice would you give to a mom navigating the challenges fo raising children?
You are enough. Period. There’s no perfect way to do this. Let go of the noise and trust your instancts-they’re louder than you think. Ask for help. Cry if you need to. Celebrate the tiniest wins. Give yourself grace on the hard days, and remember that your presence is the magic.
You don’t need to do it all. You just need to love them with your whole heart, and love yourself enough to give that heart space to rest, too. You are made for this, even on the days it feels like you’re not.
In what ways has motherhood changed or shaped the way you view the world or your own upbringing?
Motherhood cracked me wide open. It’s made me more emphatetic, more reflective, and more intentional. I’ve revisted my own upbringing with software eyes-taking the lessons I want to carry forward and rewriting the ones I don’t. I now see the world through the lens of legacy.
Every word I say, every tradition I create, every boundary I set-it all matters. It’s about raising whole humans who know they’re loved, accepted, and safe to be exactly who they are. I’m raising future humans who will shape this world. And that humbles me every single day.
Natalia Tinoco c/o 2012
How do you find balance between being a mom and taking care of yourself?
I try to find simple pleasures that can help me reset. If it’s reading a book, night out with friends, a solo Target run, or even a drive to get a coffee.
You absolutely need to have your own time to reset in order to be the best parent you can be for your child(ren). Having a supportive significant other, firend, or family member that can help watch the kids while you ahve your “me-time” is essential.
What advice would you give to a new mom navigating the challenges of raising children?
- You are doing your best!
- We learn and grow as parents with children.
- Allow yourself grae and patience.
- Don’t compare yourself to other parents! All children are different, therefore different parenting styles are implemented.
In what ways has motherhood changed or shaped the way you view the world or your own upbringing?
As a parent and teacher, I’ve witnessed how much our actions, choices, and what we say affect our children. This has made me so much more empathetic, not just toward my own children but toward my parents and other individuals as well.
We become who we are from our upbringing, and it’s important to show empathy and kindness with one another. The power of motherhood; your children help you see the world in a whole different light.
Stephanie Blazek c/o 2011
How do you find balance between being a mom and taking care of yourself?
Setting boundaries is key! It’s important to understand that we cannot do everything and that it is okay to ask for help. Also, making time for self care.
As a mom, we lose sight of who we are and the things we need to take care of ourselves. Prioritizing a few minutes each day to do something for ME has been such a huge part of my happiness.
What advice would you give to a new mom navigating the challenges of raising children?
Find your people. Whether it is your family, close friends, or a mom group you meet online, it is so important to have people in your corner. It is true when they say “it takes a village”.
In what ways has mother hood changed or shaped the way you view the world or your own upbringing?
Your entire being is altered once you become a mom. You learn unconditional love & strong force of protection.
You truly understand what it means to put other before yourself and that you will do anything to make sure they are safe and loved.
Giovanna Hermosillo c/o 2011
How do you find balance between being a mom and taking care of yourself?
Moms need to remember that they need to be good within themselves first before they can take care of someone else! I make time for outings with my sisters to relax and have conversations that are not about kids, but about myself as a person.
Also remember that if you look good then you feel good! Some days I set an alarm to wake up before my kids so I can do my hair, make-up, and be ready for the day. As silly as it sounds this gives me the confidence I need to push through my very busy day as a twin mom!
What advice would you give to a new mom navigating the challenges of raising children?
Nothing lasts forever, not even hard times. Even tho the days feel long, the years are short!
This is just a phase in life that will come to an end so cherish every moment and be present for your children because no matter what they are always our biggest fans.
In what ways has motherhood changed or shaped the way you view the worldor your own upbringing?
Being a mother definitely changes the way I see my upbringing. I see the ways my mom always did the best that she could for us.
I realized that she was never a “bad” mom, just an overstimulated one! I appreciate all the times that she was “too strict” because that shaped me into the responsible and selfless mother that I am today.
Brandee Villaruel c/o 2011
What advice would you give to a new mom navigating the challenges of raising children?
Don’t stress yourself. It will seem difficult now, but you’ll hwake up one day and find yourself smiling and knowing everything will be okay.
Surround youself with a solid foundation of family & friends. Motherhood to me, is a contradiction of ups and downs. They are days when I have felt the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life, but also the lowest I’ve felt in my life.
I’ve never been in more comapny, but at times I still feel so lonely. I have my moments where I question and doubt myself.
I also have moments where I believe and trust in myself. I have never smiled so much and never cried so much.
Some days I feel broken and some days I feel complete. My journey of wrong truns will probably still be right, and dreams of the future even if I don’t get enough sleep to dream. Exhaustion, but effortless love. Motherhood is the hardest, but MOST rewarding!
In what ways has motherhood changed or shaped the way you view the world or your own upbringing?
Motherhood has definitely taught me patience, unconditional love, adaptability, and to never give up.
Motherhood has made me respect all mothers, including my own, just a little bit more. I now understand all the nagging my mom would give me in high shcool, but it’s because she cared enought o know where and who I was always with.
I thought having pizza on Friday nights was so cool, but knowing what I know know, my mom was probably exhausted from her work week. My mom would constantly tell me to clean up and I would always be annoyed; now I clean and mop my house every day.
Funnny how the circle of life lessons comes back to you. Every day is a learning lesson, and an opportunity to make memories. Grateful for this life.
View the full post here.
Share Alumni Legend on:
