In a commencement speech to graduates of the University of Maryland University College yesterday, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake talked about the juggling act performed by moms who happen to be mayors – and paid her respects to the woman who’s had the biggest influence over her life, Dr. Nina Rawlings, age 77.

Here are excerpts from that speech, courtesy of the Mayor’s Office of Communications and Policy:

Many of you have balanced family, career, and study. I fully understand and respect the challenges of work-life balance. My mother was a pediatrician and one of the first African Americans to graduate from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

I recall, early in my first year of college, I called home in distress. School was tough, and I started whining to my mother that the classes and work were overwhelming. Her response to me was, “You want to know what’s tough? Studying for the medical boards while having morning sickness!”

Needless to say, that was the last time I ever complained!

We Can Have it All

Moreover, this was a teachable moment where I was reminded that with hard work and dedication, I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.

Like many of you, my mother balanced school and family and approached her studies with focus, commitment, and determination.

And she demonstrated that – yes, we can have it all! Her strong example has served as a model for me in so many ways. I realized that I could complete law school, pursue a career in public service, and become a wife and mother.

At times the balls I chose to juggle were heavy.

The lessons I learned from my parents help to keep me focused daily on what needs to be done to get Baltimore growing again – and to ensure a promising future for our children.

Commitment to Serve

I recognized that, while there may be long and sometimes difficult days, I am guided by my fortitude, passion, and commitment to serve.

Today as a wife, mother, and daughter, I balance daily the responsibilities as mayor of a major U.S. city with family commitments and the numerous activities of my young daughter [Sophia Blake].

I’m sure that many of you share the same joys of school activities and events, girl scouts, camping, theater, Mindless Behavior concerts, Justin Bieber, sleepovers, and the mall!

I also recognize that my daughter is learning from my example, as I did from my mother.

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Happy Mother’s Day from The Brew.