Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?

Those of us who were lucky to have someone see something in us long before we saw it in ourselves know how impactful it can be. We are thrilled to highlight some of those stories and honor some of the OG heroes.

Michael Banovac

My parents taught me the importance of grit and early on I understood the work reward model. The more I did that benefited my future and those around me the more I got rewarded and anything I did to detract from that was met with unwanted results. My parents always held me in a very high light. Read more>>

Lilach Mazor Power

100% my parents. They let me be different — and they supported that difference. I didn’t fit into the academic box we’re all judged by in our early years. I was the classic middle child, a tough teen, full of opinions and pushback. But they didn’t try to tame it — they embraced it. Read more>>

Dot Ridenour

My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters. Since I was younger, he has always supported and fostered my creative energy no matter what medium I was into at that time. Writing stories, sewing and painting, he helped me through it all. Read more>>

Teniecka Drake

One of my dear friends saw in me what I knew was there inside of me. After going through the Domestic Violence and abuse of my marriage it was evident. My friend Dr. James C. Sutton,II would always tell me when I get to where the Lord is calling me. He would say just leave me a seat in row Z. Read more>>

Kim Horn

My mom. She passed away when I was 29—far too young at just 55—but she always saw something in me before I fully understood it myself. She recognized that I had a gift for connecting people and organizing things in a way that came naturally to me, even when others had no idea where to begin. Read more>>

Laura Lee Botsacos

God. Always God. Even in the moments I couldn’t see my own worth, He did. Part of my journey — and honestly, the work I continue to do — is learning to see myself the way He sees me. And to extend that same grace and vision to others. Answering the question “Who am I in God?” is deeply personal, but it’s also foundational. Read more>>

Gifti Moiwa

Wow very deep question! I love it though. I would have to say first and foremost my Creator. A Healthy self concept is something most people struggle with at some point in their lives. My Self Image and Self Concept increased tremendously when I started to see myself how God (The Most High & Most Powerful Being in The Entire Universe) sees me. Read more>>

Brittini Gray

I’ve been fortunate to have incredibly supportive parents who always saw me for who I truly am and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. They gave me every opportunity to succeed in life, and when I fell short, they were there to lift me up, push me forward, and help me recognize where I could grow. Read more>>