On Saturday, the mothers, sisters, aunts and other female inspirations of my sorority sisters came down to celebrate our favorite weekend: Mom’s Weekend.

My mom and my life-long best friend Molly were my partners in crime as we embraced the full magnitude of girl power, danced to music from the 80s and indulged in each other’s good company.

This past weekend was the first time I had seen either of them since I had moved back to Charleston for another school year in August.

Homesickness had been tickling the back of my mind for a while, but I did not realize how much I missed them until they pulled up to my house and pulled me into their arms.

The weekend before, my younger sister Ruthie surprised me and I felt the same rush.

Being around my mom, Ruthie and Molly not only temporarily cured my home sickness, but it also made me realize how lucky I am to have multiple strong female role models that inspire me to live a life that benefits more people than myself.

Obviously I may have a bit of a bias, but there is a whole lot of truth to this statement: my mom is simply the best.

Without her, I would have never learned to put others before myself. Day after day, my mom makes sacrifices so my family can grasp every opportunity, experience and moment the world has to offer us.

I see her practice sacrifice and exemplify her selfless nature every day, especially when she is with my younger brother, Michael. Michael has autism and my mom has dedicated every single day she has to take care of him.

Through my younger sister, I have learned that your role model does not have to be older than you in order for you to look up to them.

Even at a young age, Ruthie always radiated a fiery spirit. Always marching to the beat of her own drum, she is never afraid to present the world her true and genuine self. While doing so, she always puts her best foot forward and is generous to everyone who crosses her path.

Whenever Ruthie feels like something is not right, she never hesitates to step in and stick up for whoever or whatever is being threatened. My sister has stood up for me, picked up my pieces and put me back together countless times, often leading me to rethink who really is older and wiser.

Molly is the poster child for perseverance. She will stop at nothing until she reaches her goal. Criticism and doubt have never been obstacles for her.

With a heart full of desire and clear vision for her future, Molly currently works 40 hours a week so she can save up, to move to California and go to school to study film.

My friendship with Molly encourages me to never lose my drive and never let what other people think stop me from achieving my dreams.

Without growing up surrounded by these three, I do not know who or where I would be in this world.

Every day, especially on the exceptionally good days and devastatingly bad days, I remind myself of what I have learned from these three women.

I remind myself of how lucky I am to have these three women that inspire me to live a life that is meaningful, fulfilling and beautiful.

Whoever your female role models are, thank them for teaching you the meaning of girl power and molding you into the woman you are today.

Carole Hodorowicz is a junior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or cdhodorowicz@eiu.edu