#CPAMomsAreCool

By Rebecca Kerr, OSCPA communications intern

Behind many of the best and brightest CPAs are moms who helped them get there. In the spirit of Mother’s Day, we spoke to some of our 2018-2019 student ambassadors about their mothers and the role they have played in their lives.

Dominic Serra, a junior accounting student at Wright State University, said his mom, Julie, has always been a huge supporter of his interests and ambitions whether it pertains to sports, school or social activities.

Julie is a nurse scheduler at an outpatient facility in Columbus. Dominic described her as being an “understanding” and “down-to-earth” person with a love of crafts and cards.

“She’s been a really big influence in my life and she’s just a really great person to have as a mother and as someone to look up to,” he said.

He cites his cross country “senior night” as a standout memory that he cherishes with her, as they had the chance to walk out and be recognized together.

“She got really emotional during it and it really dawned on me how much she cares about me and how much it meant to her,” he said.

Dominic said one of the best pieces of advice he has received from his mom is “to treat everyone with respect and try to find what makes you happy.”

Tonya Beachy, an accounting major in the College of Business and Economics at Ashland University, said she has always shared a special bond with her mom, Rachel.

“They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and with this one, it’s so true,” she said. “She’s great and I love her a lot. She is someone that I look up to for a lot of things. If I ever have anything going on in my personal life and I don’t know what to do, she’s definitely a go-to person for advice – she is very helpful and reliable and just overall a very good person.”

Rachel, who works in retail, is described by Tonya as always putting others ahead of herself and a true pro at being there for others.

“She’s a total helper,” she said. “She will help anybody and everybody and I think that’s one of her prominent features and one of the coolest things about her.”

Tonya said though she has many great memories with her mom, one that stands out is the many shopping trips they enjoy together – which, she said, always includes a stop at Olive Garden for lunch.

“She’s my go-to shopping buddy because she keeps me grounded,” she said. “So, cumulatively, our shopping days are super fun because she’s always the person that will tell me, ‘if you need it, buy it. If not, don’t get it.’”

Tonya said there is one piece of advice that her mom has given her that sticks out from the rest.

“In life, use moderation and common sense. That’s always a good one that she usually tells me – ‘Just use your common sense, you’re fine. Just moderation.’”

OSCPA wishes all moms a safe and happy Mother’s Day!