Like My Dad...

My dad lacks polish, he is often absent-minded and focused on some problem in his head. Tall and gangly, he is not very good at sports either. However, he is definitely the man you want around when you are scared or unsure of what to do. His calm, reassuring, and unwavering demeanor- except when he is cooking- can get you through almost anything. He is never fake, or pretends to be something he is not. Yet, he is not opposed to evolving. He believes in taking chances, even when it might be easier to hang back at the status quo. My dad is a great role model, and has shaped my vision for the person I aspire to be.

My dad has given me the courage to be bold and not afraid of failure. When I first started to ride horses, I was afraid of falling off. I desperately wanted to ride, but every time I got on a horse, fear was all I could think about. My dad told me that the fear was ok, but letting it stop me from doing what I wanted to do was not. He describes himself as being cautious, but he has taken chances in his life. He told me, how as a young man he left his comfortable home in Brazil so that he could come to the United States and pursue his education. He had to start over. Some people might not have risked the good life they had just to pursue a dream, but that is not my dad. That risk offered him a world of opportunities. Likewise, that day on the horse, the fear could have kept me comfortably safe on the mounting block, but then I would never have known the joy of feeling free on a horse. I learned to be bold and follow my dreams.

My dad has also taught me that it is always best to be honest and authentic. Even when he is the only person in the room wearing a big, leather, cowboy hat, he does not take it off. He is never afraid of showing me his feelings or sharing what he is thinking. He says,”I never try to act, or be what I am not.” That does not mean, he is unwilling to learn new things or evolve though.

My dad admits his shortcomings and strives to do better. For example, he is more comfortable reading and talking about the news with me; however, he tries to find things of interest to me, to read or talk about instead. I know that it is hard for him and that he isn’t always natural; yet, his efforts make me feel special. I hope to make others feel this way too.

If I could change anything about my dad, I might make him aware of what a great role model he has been. He has taught me to take risks and follow my dreams, while remaining authentic and honest. His willingness to try new things, especially ones that are difficult or foreign, is inspiring. I hope to influence others by living my life by these principles.