Recently I have taken a lot of time to think of how I became the person I am today. During this process I found myself repeatedly thinking back to certain individuals that had influenced me to acquire different characteristics. While some of these characteristics have become habitual in my life, others are still in the process of being developed.
The individuals I decided to include on my list have each influenced my life greatly and I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to become friends with them.
Although each and every one of them have many more attributes and characteristics that inspire and influence, I decided to only include those attributes that had played the greatest influence in my life.
My dad
Ever since I was a little kid I have been my fathers shadow. We have both always shared the same interests in hunting, snowmobiling, boating, golfing, and work. When I think of my younger years I can’t think of a time that I wasn’t with him either working or playing. He has taught me so much and has always been a great guide to me throughout my life. Although as I have grown up it has been harder to spend my time with him I often still will think of the many things he has taught me in my life. It is rare to meet someone like my dad. He is extremely unique and that is why he is such an inspiration to me in my life. Although this does not do him justice I will say the greatest inspiration he has been to me is his work ethic. He works hard at everything he does and he never stops working. His mind is constantly engaged in some kind of task. Even when it is his relaxing “play” time he is pushing as hard as he can. Although it can sometimes be exhausting to be around him, there is rarely a moment of nothing. My father has inspired me to work hard at everything I do in life and that if you are working while others are resting you will always come out ahead in life.
My Mom
My mother is solid. I have witness her accomplish so much in my life. She is also what is known as a busy body. She always has something on her agenda to keep her busy and full of life. She has a trademark among friends and family as energetic and the life of the party. Often times the party has not begun until she arrives. Not only is she a load of fun, but when it comes time for her to take life serious and make things happen she is the most successful woman I know. Although my mother has so many amazing qualities, her ability to make life fun and interesting has influenced me to live life and take advantage of each moment I am given. She has helped me realized that each opportunity taken defines who we are and what we will become.
My brothers
I have three awesome brothers that have a unique ability to make me laugh and humiliate me in a single comment. They are special to say the least. I have good fun memories with each and every one of them and I would be a completely different person if any one of them weren’t around. Much to there surprise, they have been an inspiration in my life in so many ways.
My older brother Austin has helped me realize that nothing is out of my reach. Without his influence I certainly would not see any of my dreams coming true. He has certainly set a bar for my younger brothers and I that will be extremely difficult to live up to. Without Austin in my life I would not have been able to learn how to watch my each and every word and action in fear of embarrassing criticism. He taught me how to think before I acted, that was the only way to escape his playful observations.
My younger brother Hayden is the worst person to have against you in a debate. He has a way with words that will make you wish you had held your tongue. But he is a friend to all and a fine example for any to follow. When he decides on something to put his mind to his determination is unbreakable. For these reasons and more he has taught me to know what I want and work for it. Simply put, he inspires me to be a better me.
My youngest brother Logan is who reminds me to live. He has so much energy, imagination, and love for life that it is hard to have a dull moment when you are around him. If it wasn’t for Logan I wouldn’t be a “why not” guy, he inspires me to be the type of person that takes every opportunity of life and live it to its fullest. Although I lack his energy and flame, I do my best to impersonate him every day. If only he was my older brother I would be able to learn so much more.
Matt Hash
If you ask us how we met we usually just say kindergarten because we can’t remember a time when we weren’t best friends. He is the kind of friend we all wish to have, but never are able to find. He is the one person I can think of when I think of a true friend. Therefore, Hash has inspired me to be a friend. Not just any friend, but the kind of friend you never forget meeting. Just like you don’t forget your best friends birthday, you don’t forget spending just a few minutes with Hash. Although I am far from being memorable, I would hope I have learned a thing or two from him about how to be a good friend.
Jentry Allsop
My high school sweetheart. She has the heart of lion. It’s there for everyone to have a piece of and it is as strong as they come. I can’t remember a time when she ever neglected or spoke down of others or me. So needless to say, she taught me how to love. She is the reason I am able to trust others with an open heart, the reason I can love so easily. Her influence led me to loving others the way I want to be loved.
Alex Cheung
My first mission companion. Without Alex I don’t know if I ever would have learned Chinese. He forced/inspired me to put everything I had into learning the language. He is the first person I have ever been friends with that I couldn’t sweet talk my way out of doing something I didn’t want to do. He is a dreamer that pushes his limits in search of the greatest possible accomplishment. His dedication to his dreams inspires me to be dedicated to mine.
LJ Sikahema
My last mission companion. His has a way of putting a smile on all those around him without losing his swagger. He is one of the most fun loving people I have ever had the privilege of being with. In the four months I spent living with him there was never a day when he didn’t have a smile on his face and kind word to cheer up all who were around him. His cheerful personality has inspired me to make it a goal to cheer up all those around me. Although I’m not able to do it all the time it is certainly a goal of mine to bring a smile to others.
Lisa Zhang
The best friend I thought I would never find. She is cheery, exciting, and outgoing. Her meticulous methods make me wonder if I even care about what’s going on in my life. But the reason she is one of my best friends is because she has the guts to follow her imagination. Every time she gets a crazy idea she makes it a reality, I can’t remember a dull moment with her around. Lisa has inspired me to keep my life fun and interesting.
Sisi Messick
My crush. I dated her for 16 months and never tired of being around her. When I think of her I think of an unmatched ambition and an intense desire for perfection. She is constantly pushing her limits and searching for the next opportunity to stretch her abilities. During my time with her I always felt a greater desire to take my abilities to the next level. Her desire for greatness in her life inspires ambition and perfection in mine.
Shan Shan Li
The best friend that came out of nowhere. I still don’t know how it all happened but Shan has been a friend I never thought I would meet. She has a cool swagger that I will never forget and the brains to match it. For some reason I have always admired her ability to take control of any situation and make things happen. She keeps it real, but doesn’t mind loosening up when the time calls for it. She has inspired me to learn how to be a grown up and take responsibility of my life while still knowing how to let loose and party when the time calls for it. Thanks Shan. You inspire me to be me.
Amy Tran
Thanks stats class for being so difficult that a cute girl is forced to ask me how to do the homework. She is fun and smart always knows how to lift the spirits of a friend in need. Sometimes it seems like she makes you smile just so she can complete her goal for the day. Her personality is so fun and outgoing that when you first meet Amy you will feel like you have been best friends forever and if you aren’t careful that might just become a reality. She has a way of encouraging you and helping you through the hard times in your life. Amy has inspired me to be a best friend to others, not just any best friend that is always there for you, but a best friend that inspires you to reach your full potential.
I also owe a great deal of gratitude to several other individuals for guiding me in my life.
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