Oakwood School, North Hollywood, CA

in partnership with

Maryam School, Kabul, AfghanistanMother –Daughter Photo Exhibition

Global Citizens in ActionMay 2, 2013

Oakwood Mother-Daughter Photos

Letters from Maryam Students

Photos from Maryam Students

Mothers and Daughters from

Oakwood and Maryam Schools shared their photos and answered

prompts on the following topics:

1. Our Relationship

2. Support

3. Similarities and Differences (Do you want your life to be

the same as or different from your mother’s?)

our relationship]

Arley Knizek: I would define the relationship

between my mother and me as very loving and

supportive. Our relationship is also very

humorous and fun loving.

Mom: Very close. Mostly loving, fun, supportive

and playful. Sometimes stressful. We butt heads

occasionally but it's because we are so alike.

Nothing gives me more pleasure than my

daughters, and they give me the most joy in life.

[support]

Arley: The support I receive from my mother

consists of enthusiasm, encouragement and

valuable advice. In any academic, social or

communal endeavor I begin to pursue, she is

always there by my side helping me when I need

it but giving me enough room to be independent

and make my own decisions. The support I

receive from my mother is so valuable, for she

not only reassures me to take on things that I

have doubts about, but she pushes me to finish

things that I start in order to accomplish my goals.

Mom: I try to support Arley in everything that she

does even if it does mean redirecting her path

slightly. I do so from a loving place. I give both

emotional and physical support sometimes by

just being present. It's important for me to pass

on the traditions of home as well as a good work ethic.

[differences and similarities]

I expect to lead a life that is different than my

mother’s in terms of career choices, but I really

look up to the morals she values, and strive to

live a life similar to hers in the way she

approaches things. She takes on tasks with such

optimism and perseverance. I hope to be able to

live a determined life like she does and pursue

my passions just like her. Even if I don't end up

as an interior designer like her, I hope to possess

her creative energy and initiative.

Arley & Mom

[our relationship]Mursal: My mom is really happy from me and I am too. This is what makes

our relationship good and happy.

Zainab (Mother): My relationship with my

daughter is great. We always share many things together, and respect each

other’s good activities.[support]

Mursal: My mother supports me financially and morally. She appreciates my talents and abilities.

[similarities and differences]

Mursal: I want to lead a different life because when my mom was young there was not a developed and

modernized life.

Mursal & Mom

[our relationship]

Lily Harris: I feel my mom and I are very close.

There are certain things I choose to keep to myself,

but as a whole I feel my mother’s experiences are

extremely helpful as advice for how I will choose to

live my life. Even though we sometimes fight, I

really love my mom and enjoy spending time with

her, especially just talking with her or being silly or

watching bad TV together.

(Mom): There's nothing like the mother-daughter

relationship. Lily and I are alike in many ways yet

also very different in many ways and I think this

actually makes us closer. We laugh together, take

walks together, watch our favorite shows together

and have great conversations. One of the things I

value most about our relationship is honesty. We

may not always agree but I feel like we can talk

and figure things out together. Our relationship is

caring and loving, and I adore and respect Lily as a

person and daughter.

[support]

I can honestly say that my mom is always around

when no one else is. No matter what she may be

doing, if I need her she will always put it on pause

to help me. My mom helps me both emotionally

and physically when I need support. There’s

nothing like her advice or her warm chicken soup

as a cold remedy.

[differences and similarities]

I think my life will be pretty similar to my mother’s.

Hopefully, as the times are changing the ideals of

mothers having to take the lead in the home will

change, but as far as her independence and

passion for her work goes, I hope that I lead a life

similar to my mother’s and am as good a mother

as she is to me.

Lily & Mom

[our relationship]

Izzie Levinson: My mom and I have a pretty

unique relationship, largely because we—like

everyone around us—have always

acknowledged just how similar we are. My

mom and I are both quick to smile and laugh,

often lost in our own imaginations and dream

worlds but paying careful attention to those

around us nonetheless. We're both romantics

about education and literature, both fiercely

devoted to those we love and entirely

unimpressed by material possessions. When

my mom and I are together, we are constantly

talking, laughing, and making silly jokes. Some

teens may be embarrassed to have inside jokes

with their mothers, and to that I say... uh...

[support]

Izzie: In the scope of the relationship between

myself and my mom, my mom is a fantastic

source of support when it comes to reminding

me about the simpler things in life. A big

distinguisher between my mom and I is that

she is often able to pick out one or two

important things in a given situation and really

focus in on them. She is entirely unable to

multitask, and can only complete one task at a

time, while I try to do as much as I possibly can

at the same time (for example, I am currently

trying to bake, listen to music, carry on a

conversation with my dad, write an e-mail, AND

plan Artribe). When I get overwhelmed by all

of the stuff going on in my life, my mom is

there to remind me where to focus and where to let go.

[differences and similarities]Izzie: Until I was in eighth grade, my mom

worked as a TV writer in Hollywood. She hated her job with a passion, frustrated every day that she had to sell out her creative voice in order to appease the nebulous "audience" that she cared not at all about. Then, when I was fourteen, she

became a public school teacher at a school in South Central. At that point and ever since, my mom has fully embraced (what she refers to as)

the "hippie" side of herself, constantly encouraging freedom of expression, creativity,

and intellectual pursuit and constantly discouraged by the highly ineffective education system existing within the United States— more

specifically, California, and even more specifically, Los Angeles. I don't think I will ever

become a high school teacher, but I think my mom's devotion to activism and her fundamental

beliefs that everyone is entitled to equal opportunity is something that I, too, will fight for in my life. I think that I will grow up to become an activist working to give a voice to those who do not have them. I hope to do something as important and meaningful with my life as my

mom has done with hers.

Izzie & Mom

[our relationship]Sahra: I have a great

relationship with my mother and it causes me to have a

successful life, being with and deciding with my mother on

everything. Mother: I love my daughter

and always I am worried about her future. [support]

Sahra: My mother appreciates my choice in everything and supports my choice and me.

When I like clothes she respects my choice and

supports me.[similarities and

differences]Sahra: Yes, I want to lead my life similar to my mother’s life.

Sahra & Mom

 

[our relationship]

Maddie Schiff: I have always felt very

comfortable talking openly with my mom. I think

that’s a good indication of the kind of relationship

we have. She’s always there for me and I feel like

I don’t need to hide anything from her because I

know we have a very trusting friendship.

Mom: I think that we have a very unique and

personal bond. I feel like we have some striking

similarities that make us really understand each

other. We can laugh together at the same things,

we can spend time together like friends, and we

can talk about serious stuff as well as silly stuff.

[support]

Maddie: I get all kinds of support from my mama!

Not only does she provide me with essentials like

food and clothes and a home but she supports

me emotionally. Whenever I’ve had a sad day the

only person who I know will really understand is

my mom. I can also always count on her for a laugh.

Mom: I feel that I support you in your beliefs and

your convictions about people and your

surroundings. Whenever something bothers you,

I always support you. I never doubt you. I

support your various interests and I encourage

you to do your personal best.

[differences and similarities]

I hope I will get to live a life similar to my mom’s.

She successfully runs her own business, has lots

of amazing friends, and manages to hold our

entire family together. I hope one day I can have

a family of my own and also be successful in the

business world, just like my mama!

Maddie & Mom

[our relationship]

Olivia: That's hard to define. I don't consider her

my best friend, but a strong confidante. I don't

view her as a complete authority, but I try to

follow her rules. Ultimately, I see our relationship

as an unbreakable bond because as of now I have

unconditional love for my mom. we disagree

constantly, but what does the mean? Nothing.

She provides me with so much support and love,

and for that I have a great amount of respect for

my mother and the relationship we share.

Mom: I view my relationship with Olivia as a

relationship in which communication is free.

Although I’m sure I don’t know everything about

Olivia and her personal life, I do feel that I “know”

her. I guide her, teach her, and hopefully inspire

her. She certainly inspires me through her “go for

it” approach to life.

[support]

Olivia: I see my mother as a support system.

While she cannot help me with most school-

related conflicts involving math, science, etc., she

helps me in more important ways. When I can't

explain why I am sad, when I am incredibly

stressed, or when I need moral advice, my mom is

there to provide an answer. It may not be the

right one, but knowing that she listens to me

makes me feel supported.

Mom: I support Olivia by letting her make

decisions for herself (not on everything, but on

many issues that come up) and trusting her ability

to make the right choices… and this is because

Olivia has earned this privilege. This supports

Olivia as an individual to be true to who she is.

[differences and similarities]Career-wise, completely different: I don't

want to work in fashion. However, my mom plays a dual role as both parent and a full-time worker, which I admire. I want

to be able to play both parts as well. Also, my mom focuses on her mental well-being by being a yogi. Although I

hate yoga, I want to experience life paying attention to my emotions, not

ignoring them to make life easier. However, the idea of my future is

constantly changing.

Olivia & Mom

[our relationship]

Mom: I think we have mutual respect for each

other and trust, which I think is very important.

We love each other deeply. I think that we are

like any other mother- daughter relationship of a

17-year-old, meaning that we have the normal

"you hate me" and pushing me away but I

understand that – it’s a part of growing up.

We genuinely like each other.

Phoebe Tohl: I know my mom is going to be there

to support me in any situation, no matter what I

have done. I view my relationship with my mom

as particularly unique, compared to the

relationships I see between my friends and their

moms. On rare occasions I get sick of my mom,

but most of the time I enjoy her company. We

both support each other when we need the extra

comforting, and at the end of the day it is her

arms that I go to when I need that extra love.

[support]

Mom: I support your desire to fulfill your dreams,

I support you whether you succeed or fail, in good

and bad. I still love you even when you think I

am the worst person in the world. But most

importantly I will support you with unconditional love.

Phoebe: Besides the obvious financial support I

receive from my mom I also am given

unconditional love and support. Sometimes our

opinions of support mean different things, but at

the end of the day I know I can rely on my mother

to support me in whatever I need. 

 

[differences and similarities]The person I am today has a lot to do with the way my

mom raised me. My mom has taught me the pleasures of traveling, which has really impacted my life and the way that I look at things. Because of her

enthusiasm about the world I have been given amazing opportunities to be immersed in different

cultures. When it comes to the smaller things, at the moment I don’t really have any specifics, and of

course I am going to want to live them differently. But because she raised me she will always have an

influence on the way that I live my life.

Phoebe & Mom

  

[our relationship]Shamsia: We have a friendly

relationship. I respect my mom and it makes me feel good.

Pashtun (Mother): I have a lovely relationship with my daughter. She

understands me well. When she has a problem she will share that with me so that we can solve it

together. [support]

Shamsia: My mom is the only one who supports me in each aspect of my life. She encourages me to do good things. She supports me in

my daily life and also in my school studies.

 [differences and similarities]Shamsia: I want to lead my life differently from my mom’s life,

because my mom has gone through many difficulties. I want

to have a different life.    

Shamsia & Mom

[our relationship]

Rachel Rogers: Our relationship is somewhat close,

and I feel that I can tell my mom as much as I can

tell my closest friends. She trusts me and knows

that I make good decisions and is always there to

talk and listen and give me a hug when I know I've

made a mistake. I know she will always forgive me

for everything.

Mom: Our relationship is a rather close one, where

we can talk about anything. We learn from each

other; I learn new things about myself and about

the world around me while trying to teach my daughter.

 [support]

Rachel: My mom supports me in school, and that is

extremely visible when she is understanding of a

bad grade or even a bad day. She also supports

me emotionally. I know a lot of people who can't

talk to their mothers the same way I can talk to mine.

Mom: Daughters receive emotional and financial

support in addition to receiving advice from

mothers. Mothers can serve as someone that will

simply listen to a daughter and help with decisions,

big or small.

[differences and similarities]

In some sense, I hope to live a completely different

life than mymother in terms of occupation. My

mother is a lawyer, and I hope to work as a

biomedical engineer at a pharmaceutical company.

However, I would love to have a family and I would

be honored to have the patience and compassion

that my mother has. Although I don't want to

follow in her footsteps in the way I make my living,

I hope to be exactly like my mother. She inspires

me to be a better person every day.

 

Rachel & Mom

[our relationship]

Rosie Kurth: I am beyond lucky to have such a

strong relationship with my mom. I think what's

so special about our relationship is that we

genuinely enjoy each other’s company and

sometimes, admittedly yet shamelessly, I'd much

rather hang out with my mom than with my

friends. She is my role model, my confidante,

and my best friend, and I can't imagine my life

without her.  

Mom: Rosie and I have a very strong relationship.

I am a firm believer in treating your children like

human beings with their own thoughts, feelings,

and morals. If I nurture who she feels she is and

guide her when she is confused, it will just help

her to be the strongest person she can be.

Because of that, we have a relationship based in

trust, honesty, and mutual respect. If I can spend

my time with anyone on this planet I would

choose my daughter because I really love who

she is and value the woman she is becoming.

She also makes me laugh!!

  [support]

Rosie: In any difficult situation she's the first

person I go to, and her advice always encourages

me to stand up for myself and be honest. She

constantly reminds me that now is the time when

I choose how I will let others treat me, and it's so

unbelievably special to have that kind of

information this early in my life.

  

[differences and similarities]Rosie: I expect my life to be very

different from my mother’s. My mother's mother left my mom when she was two years old and was a terrible influence on her throughout her whole life. I think my

mom is such a phenomenal mother because of the lack of a mother figure

she had. She wanted to be for me what she could never have. So with her

wonderful influence to guide me through the beginning of my life, I will have a lot more of the support that my mother had

to find on her own.

Rosie & Mom

 

[our relationship]

Mom: I view our relationship as very close and

loving. We really do jive. I love Kirsten to pieces

but, you know... let's just say Ryanna and I are

very connected.

 

Ryanna Fossum: I think we have a great

relationship. It can get kind of tough because we

are so similar. That causes us to butt heads on the

regular but it also helps us understand each other.

 

[support]

Ryanna: My mom's always been there for me. She

puts up with the crazy shenanigans I pull. She has

patience and does everything with love and

kindness. Whenever either one of us goes through

something major, we turn to each other. She's just

a really neat gal.

 

Mom: I think it's important to try and be attentive

as much as possible. We work as a team. And I

make her a snack every night.

  

[differences and similarities]

I want to live a life completely my own. My mom

has had a really strange and wonderful life so far

but you gotta find your own path in this world, kids.

I feel really blessed because I not only love my

mom but I also really like her. She's the coolest cat

in town. Actually, though. (mom prom 2013)

  

Ryanna & Mom

  

[our relationship]Zuhal: We have a friendly

relationship and that is why I can freely share my problems. I

respect my mom and she respects my feelings and me too. I never feel alone because she is always

with me.Mahboba (Mother): I always

appreciate my daughter’s feelings and abilities. Really.

 [support]

Zuhal: My mother encourages me to have confidence and this is what

makes me to be strong.

[differences and similarities]Zuhal: I want to lead a life similar to my mom’s because it will make my children strong and never feel

down and alone.    

Zuhal & Mom

[our relationship]

Mom: We're very close. We can talk about pretty

much anything, but we still have good boundaries

- meaning that I won't infringe on my daughter’s

personal life. We have a respectful relationship

and we value one another. We enjoy being with

one another, and I think that I honor my daughter

as a person.

Sophie Tohl: I see my mom not only as my

mother, but as a friend. I tell her everything and

she does the same, and this creates a relationship

where we both depend on each other - not just the

daughter relying on her mother. I love that my

mom can trust me just as I trust her. I think we

both value the relationship we have together, and

are lucky to be so incredibly close.

[support]

My mom gives me every possible form of support.

She advises me in any difficult decision, she

supports me with that decision, she supports me

emotionally, and supports me by being the

wonderful role model she is. My mom has been

the root of support in my family, and I will always

appreciate her for that.

[differences and similarities]

I expect to lead a fairly different life from my

mother. My mom always tells me how different

my life growing up was compared to hers. I know

career-wise my life will be different from my

mom's, and so far the experiences I've had are

much different from my mother’s. My mom has

provided me with experiences that weren't

available to her, but she's never expressed an

unhappiness with that. She's says that's what

gives her happiness. I know that the life I will lead

will be different from my mother’s, but I hope to

have the same appreciation as my mom.

   

Sophie & Mom

[our relationship]

Sara Schiff: My mom and I have a mostly

wonderful relationship. She listens to my

stories about friends and school, supports my

dreams and goals, but also accepts the brunt

of my stress and frustrations. She may drive

me crazy at times, but that's okay!

Mom: I'm lucky to have a caring, thoughtful,

talented and intelligent daughter. I am proud

of her accomplishments and am grateful that

she talks to me about her friends, school,

dreams and goals. I know there is a lot that

she keeps to herself, but that's okay too. 

[support]

Mothers provide their daughters with

unconditional support and love. They serve

as role models for what their daughters may

aspire to be, as well as examples of what

paths might not be best to take. Mothers

want the best for their daughters, but the

best mothers let their daughters be whoever

they want to be.

 

 [differences and similarities]

I may take a different educational or career

path than my mother, but at the core, I

expect that our lives will not end up being

significantly different. We will both have

families that we value, friends that we cherish

and a career that is fulfilling.

  

     

Sara & Mom

[our relationship]

Fiona Doherty: I love my mom! Our relationship

is great — apart from the occasional spat, we get

on pretty well. I tell my mom everything, and she

gives me the best advice. If I can't make my

mind up about something or am very confused or

stressed out in any way, she's the first person I go

to, and she always helps me. She always makes

me tea or food, because who doesn't like an

endless supply of tea and food, I ask you? My

favorite is when we cuddle, because when we do I

feel like the world is right. I'm so thankful for my

mother: for her advice, her hugs, her food, and

mostly for the fact that she'll always love me, no

matter what crazy shenanigans I get myself into.

The thing I admire most about my mother is how

grounded she is. To me it seems like she knows

exactly who she is, and as someone who can

sometimes be very confused about finding myself

out, I think that's really amazing. So if I can ever

become as solid and stable a figure as my mom,

I'd be happy to live like her.

Mom: I think so much of our relationship is about

friendship: about working to understand others

and ourselves and treating others and each other

and ourselves with kindness (and sometimes with

awe) and working to repair the damage when we

don't succeed. It's also about pushing ourselves

to do well at whatever it is we choose to do –

pushing ourselves without harshness, propelling

ourselves forward with high standards but with

tenderness as well, and motivated by joy, delight,

and care. We work at this and talk about these

things all the time. Because of Fiona I am

constantly learning, constantly growing.

Nilab: I never hide anything from my mom and she is aware of all my works. It makes our

relationship good.Zainab (Mother): I am happy with the way my

daughter is because it gives me the feeling that in addition to being a mom I am a good friend of

hers.Nilab: My mother provides me whatever I need and she tries her best to keep me happy in life.

Nilab: Yes, I want to lead a similar life as my mom.

Patuny: My mom knows all my secrets and we are like friends.

Mother: I am lucky to have a daughter like Patuny. She is so open minded and close to me.

Patuny: My mom Supports me in my studies and all steps in my life.

Patuny: I want to lead my live different from my mom. I want to study and become a doctor and

have a different life. 

 Nazanin: I have a happy life with my mom, with

so many good memories.Mother: I appreciate my daughter’s being in my

life.Nazanin: My mother supports me whenever I

take a big decision in my life, and it makes me successful.

Nazanin: Yes, I want to lead a similar life as my mom has.

Fiona & Mom

Patuny & Mom

Nizanin & Mom

Nilab & Mom

[our relationship]

Helen Yenser: The love I feel for my mother is

overwhelming. I never laugh harder than when

I am with her. Love her to the moon and back.

Mom: Helen is a better part of me. 

[support]

Mom: Food, shelter, and brisket.

Helen: Ditto! 

[differences and similarities]

Helen: I hope to have a daughter who I have as

good a relationship with. I hope to provide her,

too, with food, shelter, brisket, and lots of laughs!

    

Yalda: In general, I have a friendly relationship with my mom. She is not

only my mom but acts as my friend and sister too.

Rabia (Mother): In all the situations we are with each other and we understand each other’s sadness and happiness.

Yalda: My mom encourages me to study. She helps me in my school lessons.

Yalda: I want to lead a similar life to what my mom has.

Alia: we have a friendly relationship, which is really tight and close.

Hafiza (Mother): it feels great when I listen to my daughter at the time when she needs me.

Aliza: My mother supports me to do good things. She is my big support whenever I need

her.Aliza: I want to lead my life the same as my

mother because she is a hardworking and kind woman not only in her house but also in her job

and society.

Nilofar: My mother always thinks of providing me whatever I need. And she

always helps me in my life.Nor Zia (Mother): I want to try my best to

help my daughter and to not leave her alone .

Nilofar: My mother keeps me from the things which make me sad. She always gives

advice and guides me to do good things.Nilofar: Yes, I want to lead a similar life as

my mom.Muhajira: I have a good and friendly

relationship with my mom. I go shopping with her and I enjoy my life with her.

Marzia (Mother): My life is so beautiful with my daughter.

Muhajira: My mother supports me in every good thing that I do in my life.

Muhajira: I want to live different from my mom.

Yalda & Mom

Helen & Mom Alia & Mom

Muhaijira & Mom

Nilofar & Mom

      

Claire & Mom

Ora & Mom

Yasamin & Mom