Lessons by Mommy Linda- Blog Post #3 (EA)

I don’t know if I’ve connected more to anyone in such a short amount of time, like I have to Mommy Linda. She embodies so much of what I want to be as a woman, mother, and leader. Most of our nights in the last month consisted of her and I talking for hours while I rocked the baby to sleep. What those evenings held will definitely stay with me long after I leave Lusaka.

Upon entering her home over a month ago, I was unsure of what we would connect on, but soon realized that we not only had a lot in common, but that she had so many lessons to teach me. I created a running list of “Mommy Linda’s Striking One-Liners” on my notes application on my phone that sum up these lessons pretty well. When asked to consider the impact that my homestay has had on my experience in this program, I was naturally drawn to these one-liners.

One specific line that I love came about during one of our many discussions of happiness. I had been explaining to her some of the issues I had faced at Cornell concerning maintaining my mental health. I explained that the competitive nature of Cornell as a whole and the pre-medical path I am on sometimes drive me to the brink. Because of this I’ve found that when I am not in Ithaca or in my home town of Boston, I tend to be a lot happier. This summer, I have been so happy here in Zambia and I worry about how to maintain my happiness in Ithaca.

I tend to try and stay motivated in Ithaca by focusing on the idea that I will be more financially secure later in life if I work hard enough now. After I said something along these lines to Mommy Linda she said something that really struck me. She said, “Don’t be fooled. Some people have money and no peace, and some people have no money and peace”. She went on to talk to me about her upbringing in a home run by her single mother that mirrored so much of mine.

This lesson will definitely stick with me. Although it seems so simple and straightforward it really reframes the way I approach stressful times. Honestly, I do not yet know how I can apply this lesson in a practical sense. I will choose to hold onto these one-liners and overall lessons because I think when I do figure out how to apply them in a practical sense they will make me a better person. However, I do know that I have connected with someone with such a wealth of knowledge.

As I transition to the flat and eventually back to school, I know I will refer to “Mommy Linda’s Striking One-Liners” when I need them. My homestay has been one of my favorite parts of this program and I’m excited to stay in contact with Mommy Linda and the girls when I go back to the U.S.