It was Mediha, my mother, who taught me that I needed to study, work hard, and get a good education.  One of the last things she told me was, “Zein, you won’t be the tallest, and you won’t be the best looking.  But you’ll be the smartest.”

My father, on the other hand, didn’t think education was important.  He wanted me to drop out of school and work in a leather shop.  My mother was the reason that I got a good education, and the reason I taught my own kids to study hard.

Unfortunately my mother died at a young age–she died before I graduated from medical school.

I still miss her today.  I would like to show her how my passion, intelligence and stubborn determination–that she taught me–have defined my life.  She was my role model–she became a lawyer in the 1940′s–which was practically unheard of in those days.

Thanks to Mediha, and mothers everywhere, for having confidence in your kids, for believing in them, and inspiring them to be the very best that they can be–no matter what it takes.  Happy Mother’s Day.