Once, when I was still quite young, my mother gave me money to buy candy at the local market near my grandma's house. Off I went and selected all my favorite sweets. After I paid, the clerk gave me extra change, which I realized right away but nonetheless put in my pocket.

I still remember how nervous I got for keeping something that was not mine. I knew it wasn't right, but I didn't think it was wrong, because it wasn't my fault: I had not taken it, the extra change was given to me.

I went home in a rush, thinking I had scored big (even though it wasn't that much money). I walked into my grandma's house and called everyone into the living room so they could hear all about my luck. Swiftly, my mom asked me what I had bought and inspected the change.

After I explained the transaction and how the "free money" was just handed to me, and how "dumb" the clerk was for making a mistake, without a moment of hesitation, my mom taught me something very valuable: right then and there, in front of everyone, she told me with a stern voice, that even if this had happened at no fault of mine, I was still responsible for, and had the obligation to, not take advantage of someone else's mistake.

My guess is she was angry because I was gloating over benefiting from someone else's loss. She was alarmed by it, as she should have been.

After the lecture, I was embarrassed, and she ordered me to walk back to the market, by myself, return the change and apologize to the clerk. My heart was beating out of my chest, as I walked that short distance, shameful of my actions. I did as my mother ordered and spent the rest of the day in a somber mood.

That was many years ago, yet, from that day on, I have never taken the wrong change from someone again. That hard lesson gave me a very strong sense of morality, and when I witness someone benefiting from someone else's misfortune, it affects me deeply, bothering me to a great extent.

This was something that, at the time, embarrassed and made me feel inadequate, but now, reflecting back, I am so thankful I was taught right from wrong in the most trivial of experiences. I am proud to be who I am, and even prouder to have Aureci as my mother.

This is one of many stories I can tell you about my mother, and while there are many other reasons why I nominated her, I hope you understand a little bit of why she is extraordinary to me.

This project is shaping up to be something really special and I greatly appreciate everyone who is supporting it. My mission is to create something meaningful that will inspire and celebrate all who are a part of it.

All my best,

-Laine

The Power Of Extraordinary Women is a personal project by photographer Laine Torres where personal interviews and intimate photos tell the stories of women who have inspired others to be greater, just because they are extraordinary.

Learn more and nominate someone by clicking here.