Mother’s Day: 51��Ƶmoms make a difference in kids’ and students’ lives

Mothers and mother figures come in many different forms, and this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 51��Ƶ recognizes all the special moms out there. To help celebrate the day, we’re sharing five stories of 51��Ƶmoms making a difference in their communities, with their own kids and at the college.

Mother’s Day: Meet Jill

Two people sit beside each other on a patio couch and each hold up drinking glasses. — *Jill, right, with her son, Liam Moore.*

Jill shares a similar journey of growing up and finding herself at 51��Ƶwith her son, Liam.

“He’s been at 51��Ƶsince before he was born. When I was pregnant, I remember showing a recording of my ultrasound to a class about developmental psychology. I also remember apologizing to students for Liam’s scribbles being on their papers. I love knowing he’s walking around now in a place that has been so important and meaningful to me and has always been a part of his life.”

Read Jill’s story

Mother’s Day: Meet Debora

A person with their hair pulled back, wearing gold hoop earrings and an orange dress, smiles and sits on a white chair.

Debora’s four kids are a big motivation for the work she does in equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging at Georgian.

“They’re Black kids, and, you know, when I first moved up to Simcoe County from Toronto, we didn’t see as many people here who looked like us. As my kids get older, they might want to come to 51��Ƶand be part of this community, and they might not see people who look like them all the time in every class. But for them to know, ‘I have allies. They may not look like me, but they support me and they’re standing right beside me…’ That’s huge.”

Read Debora’s story

Mother’s Day: Meet Cheryl

A person stands outside. Text on their shirt reads: Pride 51��Ƶ.

Cheryl shares her journey of learning to celebrate her 2SLGBTQIA+ children.

“Since my kids came out, I’ve gotten behind both of them in support. We’ve gone to lots of Pride parades together, and I’m always doing my best to learn and ask questions. I was put in contact with another parent in the area whose child had transitioned from male to female, and that helped a lot. Now, I feel very comfortable talking about it. These are my children, and I’m very proud of them. I don’t care what people think. They are living the lives they should have always had.”

Read Cheryl’s story

Mother’s Day: Meet Stacey

Four people stand together on a hill with a green landscape and town behind them. — *Stacey with her husband, Steve, and sons, Lyle and Connor.*

Stacey’s a recent empty-nester and is rediscovering what she enjoys – not just as a mom, but as a woman.

“Now, I’m trying to rediscover what I like, what my hobbies are, and what piques my interest. It’s been an interesting journey, and it’s an interesting change to be able to focus on me.”

Read Stacey’s story

Mother’s Day: Meet Angela

Two adults and two kids smile and stick their tongues out in a group selfie. — *Angela with her husband and two kids.*

Angela’s making amazing memories with her kids – one backcountry camping trip at a time.

“Watching them just be totally free in the woods – it was incredible. It was just an amazing trip. There’s so much to love and appreciate about nature. We have a beautiful country. I don’t want to get too patriotic about it, but I think we are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.”

Read Angela’s story