1. Integrity

Without a doubt this is one of the best lessons my father has ever taught me. I wouldn't be the man-of-my-word that I am today without my dad's expectation for truth, hard work and dedication. No matter what I was doing, nothing under my very best effort was acceptable, and without this standard I wouldn't have the amazing friends I can rely on so dependably. It's this value that holds me to my word: If I say I'm going to do something you better believe I do it, and I do it to the very best of my ability, and keeps me consistent and honest and helps me stand firmly behind my beliefs, feelings and words.

2. Don't Take Life Too Seriously

There's a time and a place for a serious attitude and knowing when and where that is, is crucial. There's nothing like goofing off with your dad and I, for one, treasure every moment I get a chance like that. So go- goof off with your pa, laugh until your abs hurt and your eyes tear: no-one gets you like family, especially your dad.

3. Never Stop Learning/You Can Learn Anything

My knowledge of cars is maybe a tiny bit above average. Meaning I know how to change my own oil, check my air pressure, change a tire, and a few other handy tricks.

My dad, on the other hand, I consider to be a car-guru. No that doesn't do him justice. He's a tool guru. He has is masters degree in Computer Sciences, a field that doesn't really have anything to do with physical, mechanical problems- it's all coding and other stuff I know very little about. Yet he has fixed every car my mother, my two brothers, and I have ever had- through any issue that came up- he would always figure out a way to fix it, furthermore he's a small, part-time, landlord and any maintenance, renovations or additions to his houses he does himself. (Okay so maybe he's recruited my older brothers and I...well since we were old enough to hold a hammer for help...but still) He does it almost all himself. He even built the deck and gazebo that's in our backyard with his brother.

My point is that he has never stopped learning, teaching himself, being curious, and has taught me to do the same. Though my curiosities fall under different categories than his, I wouldn't be so knowledge-hungry if it weren't for him and his amazingly positive influence to never, ever, stop learning.

This lesson, of course, applies to learning from experience as well: again, taking the time to learn from every experience you have in your daily, weekly, monthly life, just never stop finding the lesson. Whether it's in a textbook, online, or in a life-experience.

4. Be Creative

You might not think it but the amount of creativity my dad uses to solve his every-day problems is mind blowing. He comes up with ingenious contraptions to solve issues with lawnmowers, house maintenance issues, and everything else under the sun.

My father has always encouraged me to think outside the box, to find solutions that might not be right under my nose, and to analyze the entire problem critically, you'd be amazed at how many times this has helped me academically, professionally, and personally.

5. Don't Over-Think

It's as simple as it seems, yes sometimes some creative problem-solving is absolutely necessary: but don't overlook simple solutions. Sometimes the solution really IS right in front of your face.

6. Generosity

People often tell me that I offer to do too much, that I shouldn't go so out of my way to make others happy, and that I shouldn't so easily let myself be taken advantage of.

I disagree. Firstly, I don't think I let myself be taken advantage of: If I want to do something for someone, I'm going to do it. (Assuming they allow me to). Do I always get as much thanks/praise/etc. as I might deserve? No. But that's not why I'm doing it.

My dad has taught me that being a good person, going out of your way to help friends, strangers, and neighbors (especially neighbors) can pay off in the long run whether there's any short-gain or not. I live by this, especially for close friends. I don't do it for recognition, or the reward, I do it because that's what I was taught and it makes me feel good: be dependable, be generous, go out of your way to help people if you can, and try not to say no to favors just because.

So... for that favor that you'll complain about me doing for you:

7. Follow Your Passion

As cheesy as it is my dad often told me, "If you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life." These words hit home with me, seeing my dad in a career he doesn't very much care for, constantly looking for an opportunity to switch fields inspires me day in and day out to pursue my true dream careers and be happy. Life, after all, isn't about the money...well it's a little bit about the money, but happiness should be the priority: so dream on dreamers, and find that creative solution to make a living doing what you really love.

8. One-Liners Are Amazing

'Nuff said. There's no need to elaborate and make a big ole spectacle of a joke when you can sum up the entire thing in a few words. My dad is the king of one-liners, he is by far my biggest comedic influence.

9. Everything Will Be Okay

No matter what the situation is, there is resolve, nothing is insurmountable, and there's a solution to everything- no matter how shitty or dramatic things seem. In time, everything will be okay, humor heals everything, and a cold beer or a vodka cranberry heals everything humor can't.

Thanks dad. I'm still a wide-eyed, inexperienced college kid whose terrified of graduation, but I'd be much less without all your guidance, humor, and advice. I know there's a lot more to learn, both from you and out on my own- but for now: Thank you for everything. Love you.