GW Today Celebrates Mother’s Day 2025
We asked, you answered: From the smell of morning coffee to the sight of tulips in bloom, GW community members share the things that remind them of Mom.
Mother’s Day comes around this Sunday (so there’s still time to pick up a gift if you need one). We asked students, faculty, alumni and staff at the George Washington University to tell us one special thing that reminds them of the mothers they love. Read on to share readers’ memories with mama, from watching horror movies to cooking and making art.
Arian Agadi
Senior, GW School of Business (GWSB)
“I've always been fascinated by my mother's childhood in India, her journey to America at a young age, and the family she and my father have built together. She is a pillar in our family who is always willing to teach my sister and me important life lessons that will help us succeed throughout our lives.”
Javeria Ali
Graduate Enrollment Coordinator, Elliott School of International Affairs
M.A. Student in International Affairs, Elliott School
“One of my favorite things that reminds me of my mom is the aroma of chicken biryani on Fridays. Every week since I was a child, she would make it—an act of love that has become a comforting tradition. The house would fill with the delicious scent of spices, the richness of fried onions, and the warmth of the biryani simmering. As it cooked, the air seemed to carry the essence of home, a blend of care and familiarity. What made it even more special were the crispy fried potatoes on top, adding a perfect texture that became my favorite part of the dish.
“She still makes it every Friday, and I look forward to it just as much as I did when I was younger. As the biryani is served, we’d pack some into Tupperware and send it to the neighbors, sharing this tradition of love and warmth. That dish, in all its simplicity, became a symbol of family, comfort and the joy of small, everyday rituals that brought people together. Every Friday, it’s like a piece of my childhood is re-lived again.”
Alyssa Alvey
Sophomore, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS)
“One favorite thing that reminds me of my mom is horror movies. It may sound odd, but whenever I hear of doll horror movies that come out, I think of her—she was morbidly obsessed with them. The funniest thing is that she would get so freaked out—I remember her shrieking and clinging onto me whenever she had a first watch, but she loved them anyway (and would eagerly rewatch). Even better, she’d make fun of people who’d get freaked out by dolls despite jumping at every movie—kind of hypocritical but incredibly funny. I love and miss her sense of humor, and the way she approached media with such joy and eagerness to share it with others. I hope one day I can have that same eagerness to share with others and find joy in doing so.”
Nicholas Conklu
Assistant Coach, Men’s Soccer
“One of the favorite things that reminds me of my mom is how she can light up a room with her smile, good conversation and good-spirited energy!”
Mari Coelho
M.A. Candidate in Art Therapy, CCAS
“My favorite thing that reminds me of my mom is art making! She has enjoyed many creative pursuits: sewing clothes, cooking, knitting, gardening, ceramics, painting, mosaics and coloring pages. On this Mother's Day, I celebrate my mother and all the student mothers out there and their families! It takes a lot of adjustments to family life and support from family and friends to help a mother navigate school!
“This photo was taken during an eco-art therapy class at Brookside Gardens last summer, when I had to bring my youngest daughter to class (she loved it!). Happy Mother's Day!”
Ruchi Gupta
Postdoctoral Student, School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Department of Surgery
“God can't be everywhere, so He created mothers. She is a protector and a giver, whose unconditional love nourishes the soul. I remind myself every moment to thank God for this wonderful gift called mother, whom I lovingly call ‘Maa.’ Cooking and enjoying good food, a skill I inherited from her, always brings her to mind. I dedicate all my love to her.”
Nicole Mintz
Career Services Director, College of Professional Studies (CPS)
“I miss my mom every day. She passed away two years ago. She always had others in mind. She sent cards on birthdays and anniversaries to all family and friends. She made favorite dishes that each person at the table enjoyed. She never went anywhere empty-handed, always bringing a gift or sharing kind words and smiles. There were no strangers to her. Oh, how she cherished her family and grandchildren.
“The picture is the last one of me and my mom, taken on her 87th birthday. She died one week later. I honor her memory every day and especially on Mother's Day.”
Tram Nguyen
M.B.A. Candidate, GWSB
“One of my favorite childhood memories with my mom in Vietnam was watching ‘The Fox and the Hound’ together. She would turn it on and sit with me as we watched, and I always felt safe and loved. The movie is especially meaningful because the fox is raised by a kind older woman, which reminded me so much of my mom’s gentle care.
“Later, the fox leaves to find his own path‚ a moment that mirrors my own journey. I left home at 17 to study in the United States, and every time I rewatch that film, I’m reminded not only of those sweet, quiet moments with my mom but also of the courage and freedom she gave me by letting me go. It’s a reminder that love sometimes means holding on—and sometimes, it means letting go so someone else can fly.”
Michael H. Novak
M.A. ’22, CCAS
“My mother loved elephants. Anything with pictures of elephants on it reminds me of her.”
Viviana Patarroyo Ulloa
First year, GWSB
“For me, it’s her hospitality and generosity. While I was growing up, she always welcomed everyone into our home with open arms and a warm meal, striking up conversations and listening patiently. She freely shared her time, advice or even money with those in need, reminding me that ‘you never know when you’ll need someone’s help.’ This lesson shaped my own approach to kindness. Seeing her bless others inspired me daily, and I now strive to pay it forward. In giving, she taught me that true fulfillment comes from lifting others."
Sabah Sarika
Ph.D. Student, Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD)
“Tulips in the spring that are planted throughout campus and also pop up in different places throughout D.C. remind me of my mom, because those are her favorite flowers. I also think of her when I have to make lunch and coffee in a rush every morning before work, because it was so nice when she made me coffee and packed me lunch every morning when I was living with her at home!”
Snehitha Tadapaneni
M.S. Student in Data Science, CCAS
“One of my favorite things that reminds me of my mom is the smell of freshly brewed coffee or tea in the early morning. My mom is my best friend, the first person I go to with my joys, doubts and dreams. She has a quiet strength and a calming presence that makes everything feel okay, no matter how chaotic life gets. That simple act of making coffee or tea (sometimes) was her way of starting the day with love and care for the whole family. It reminds me of her thoughtfulness, her routine of always putting others first and the comfort of home. Even now, whenever I make myself a cup, it brings back those peaceful mornings and makes me feel connected to her, even if we’re miles apart. Whenever I brew a cup for myself, I get the home vibes, and it instantly reminds me of her. Even if I don’t really want coffee in the morning, I find excuses to make it, just because it makes me feel a little closer to her.”