I am about a week late with this article's subject, as Father's Day was last week, however I recently had an very touching experience with my dad in his Red, Alabama Slammin' 2005 Chevy Colorado on the way to a basketball game after a long day at work.

He had me driving, I don't normally get to drive his truck so I considered this a rare event indeed, on this car ride we started talking. We talked about tons of different things ranging from music to school to his experiences as a young adult. These moments are special to me, as my dad was in the military and although he was there supporting me at every dance recital, piano recital, and cheer game, we didn't talk as much because either he was working ,deployed or I was busy at dance or with school. So naturally, having a conversation with him about things deeper than just the surface was enlightening to say the least, I'd like to share some of what he said to me with you as we embark on living the best days of our lives.

My dad began to tell me about how important it is to do what you want now before you get tied down later. Take up hobbies that you have always wanted to do that you never got a chance to do in your younger years because you may not get a chance to do it once "actual adulthood sets in."

He explained to me that as a young college student with so much potential that I need to find time to just "do me" to not worry about what others think. Obviously this is easier said than done, but hearing it from him for some reason made all the difference, it made me realize that sometimes getting lost and just being another face in the crowd is okay as long as you're authentic and being true to who you are.

Finally he told me to travel. Travel and experience life to the fullest before you grow up. Because adulthood is coming; we are already facing it square in the face, and while we still may have some dependence, we should take advantage of not having too many other obligations. Being in the military, my dad got the chance to travel to Japan, Greece, Germany, he's surfed County Line beach in Malibu, and went to the Space Needle in Seattle. He told me that there is still time for me to experience the cities and the world all I have to do is find a few solid friends and means to travel.

Maybe it sounds all too good to be true, or idealistic; but coming from my dad -- my superhero -- it means a lot to me. And I would like to thank him for giving me the advice and the support that will stick with me for a lifetime.