Magnificent Mentors

I was going to write a post for International Women’s Day, but it took me longer than anticipated to get ready for the event. #LadyJoke #HighMaintenance

The importance of role models doesn’t end in childhood. And, a role model is a role model no matter how often you talk to them. They are so important, and we should all have many people that we can look to for inspiration about how to be.

This morning, I was surprised to see that two of my role models have sons who graduated from CHP academy this week. I didn’t know that these two influential-to-me women had this common connection. But I was not surprised to see how well their family’s are doing.

Cindy Morgan was far and away one the the best things about grad school. Thankfully, she’s not scared off by quirky folks. I’m nearly certain the first words I said to her were “So,…do you work out?”

I have many fond memories of her and I walking up and down the 7 stories of Butte Hall at CSU Chico on breaks from class. She was so masterfully balancing her roles as student, wife, mother, and employee. She added collegiate athlete to that roster and slayed on the water ski team at and age that I wouldn’t disclose without prior written consent. All this was done with an incredibly positive attitude and great kindness. I honestly don’t know how she did it.

Cheryl Zambrana is also not scared off by quirky people. Cheryl kindly referred to be as her beat partner, but I respectfully call her Alpha Mom. There is nothing in this world that Cheryl wouldn’t do for her family. Cheryl can move heaven and earth to benefit not just her family, but our entire community. It’s more than fascinating to watch her masterfully conquer any task for the greater good, coordinate an event for 1,000 people on a budget of $10? Sure! Nourish a whole team of growing young men? No problem! Bringing others along to make sure they’re giving back to the Eagle Family? Easy! There is literally nothing that woman can’t do. Literally, no task set to her that isn’t met with a cheerful “I’d be happy to.”

The world is a better place for these two women being in it.

I’m not at all shocked that these two women have mommed all of their respective boys into the great young men that they are. It’s also not a surprise that that they’ve raised sheepdogs (I’m pretty sure this is a compliment for peace officers. Buuuttttt, …I best google that. Yup!)

Thank you both for your inspiration, and huge congratulations to you all! And, uh,…hopefully your boys never have to write me up for my window tint. #ThugLife