She schooled me on what fork is used for salad
But didn’t force me to eat it

She showed me how to pour orange juice into a glass without spilling
But not how to stop tears from escaping my eyelids

She encouraged me to speak my mind
But didn’t help me make any friends

She taught me how to be independent
But couldn’t always help me not feel alone

She taught me to dream for the world
But not how to get it

She taught me how to and how not to manage my life
But not what to do with it

She taught me to always work harder than you think you can
But not how to relax

She taught me to never give up