My Father

My dad has had a positive influence on my life. Not many people have encouraged me like him. My dad has always been in my life, from the day I first opened my eyes to the present moment. He is a teacher, a guide, and a source of strength and support. If my dad has one trait that stands out, it is his positive mindset. He is always encouraging me with positive vibes and telling me that nothing is impossible.

He grew up in the inner city of Kansas City with very little as a child. So due to that, he lives through me and does everything to keep me happy. Regardless of how difficult, he’ll always find a way to get me what I want, just to put a smile on my face. So on birthdays and holidays, he got me everything I wanted instead of paying bills. Dad is just always going to be there for me, pushing me and making sure I’m not like dust and settling. He wants me to have better things than him and to dream big even to the point that he made a quote for me: “I'd rather you dream big and fail than not dream at all and settle. Those who want you to settle just want to see you fail.”

This quote has made me into the person I am today. My dad is, and always will be, a person I look up to. Few people have had a positive impact on me. He is the only person who really has. My dad’s greatest trait is his positive attitude. This is so contagious and so uplifting that it has changed the lives of many people who have worked with him. Whenever I would get depressed about life, my dad always seemed to put a smile on my face. My father also influences the way I approach life. I have gained not only knowledge, but have applied his teachings to my life. Because of the example he has set for me, my father has provided the stepping stone I need to achieve my goals so that I can lead a happy and successful life. He gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person; he believes in me.

Most people would say, “Needs over wants,” but my dad is the opposite. He would encourage me to go after what I want. “You never know when you’re going to die,” my dad said. “That’s why I want you to go after what you want.” Although my father is not the richest person in the world, he is the greatest father in my life. He always reminds me that, regardless of any obstacles we face, we must believe in ourselves before we can expect anyone else to. From high school dropout to a Director of Operations, it wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t believe that he was smart enough and capable enough to succeed. So as long as we are not afraid of life’s obstacles and adversity, our lives will be successful and meaningful. I am proud of my father and what he has accomplished in life. He is the most influential person in my life and I am so grateful to have him guiding me through life.