Opinion by Reese Eggers J1 student

“Surprise!” we scream. We were in a room full of people —all who adore my mom— gathered to celebrate her 50 years of life. Her eyes fill with tears, and in turn, so do mine. 

My mom is probably the most emotional person I know, and also the strongest. After many life lessons, I have learned that those two adjectives are complementary to each other, not contradicting. Emotional and strong. 

Every serious conversation, sad moment or time she is overwhelmed with gratitude has taught me that emotions make someone stronger, not weaker. Feeling deeply will never be something to be ashamed of, but something to embrace. 

In my generation —Generation Z— expressing too much emotion is frowned upon, scratch that, rolled-eyes upon (frowning shows too much emotion). Teenagers have a desire to be viewed as emotionless and nonchalant. To show no feeling is to not be vulnerable and to not be vulnerable is to be protected from rejection. 

While this temporary “nonchalantness” might feel safe and good, I can promise you, it is doing nothing positive for you. Raw, genuine emotion is what forms beautiful memories, long-lasting relationships and real human experiences.

My mom has taught me that being cool and unemotional is overrated. To fully enjoy life you must embrace all the emotions, positive and negative. 

So, I encourage you to take my mom’s advice: stop hiding your feelings so you can truly experience what it feels like to live.

What is the most valuable lesson your mom has taught you?
Leave a comment below and share the memory!

Thanks!