Growing up in a big family comes with many advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include always having role models and like-minded people to push you to your limits. Disadvantages can include a hectic household and sometimes the feeling of being pushed into the background. Regardless of your view on large households, there is one part that is essential for them to work and that is a kickass mother. My mother was born in Minnesota in 1966 as the oldest of three children and took up a fascination with swimming at a young age. She was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Texas and swam there her entire college career. In Texas she was four NCAA championship, one each year she was there. This makes her one of less than 100 athletes in history to accomplish this feat. After graduating she joined to the army and began her career as a physical therapist. Her career led her to Georgia where she had five children four of which became incredible successful (and then there's me). Throughout my life I have come into contact with many great role models and leaders. To this day though I have never met anyone as loving, intelligent, hardworking, and kickass as my mom. She is truly a modern-day superhero and someone that sets the standard for how to live and act every single day.