Sarah Rodriguez / Anti-Recidivism Coalition Mother’s Day Campaign / Los Angeles, Ca, 2022. The first portrait in the “Boundless: Mothers in Freedom” series is Sara Rodriguez, who recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from @ucla . Here’s the power of motherhood from Sara in her own words. “For the first two years of my daughter’s life, I was in and out of prison on parole violations. This time away greatly affected our relationship, and it took a few years of consistently being present and engaged with her to build back our relationship—and to this day it is still a work in progress. When she was 5 years old, I decided to pursue higher education. One of the most challenging things for me these past 10 years has been balancing both being a mother and being a full-time student. There have been countless times we have had to sacrifice spending time together so I can study, but I also tried to include her in the college experience as much as I could. We would study together, read at the same time, or she would help me prepare for tests by quizzing me with flash cards. I would bring her to events on campus, and I made it a point every semester to show her my financial aid check because I wanted her to learn from a young age that it pays to go to college! I have now finished my academic journey, as she is just beginning hers. She is currently pursuing college classes through a program at her high school. It makes me so proud to know that I have been able to influence my daughter through these years to understand how important a college degree is, and for her to have seen firsthand both the sacrifice and opportunities that come with the college experience. To my daughter Jade: I am so very proud of the young lady you have become, and I go to bed every night thankful to have you in my life." Video - @andreyxfrazao Lighting Tech - @dillonpadgettephoto Movement coach - @bmvthis Assistant - @de.la.nada_