My dad left the Air Force months before I was born. Even with him leaving before I was around, the values and work ethic that he gained from the Air Force have trickled down to me. Growing up, I didn't understand how much I had learned from my dad, but now I do and I'm eternally grateful for it.
Do Your Best
It took me awhile to figure out that this didn't mean to be the best. Early in college, I thought that "doing my best," was being the best there was at anything I was doing. If I was getting ready for an intramural basketball game, I thought "doing my best," was being the best player on the court [Writer's Note: I don't know why I ever thought I could be the best player on the court..] I was wrong though, it was all about the effort, not the result. Time and time again, my dad told me to try my best, particularly when it came to my schoolwork. He wasn't telling me to be the Valedictorian, he just wanted me to literally "do my best."
Explore When You Can
I've literally traveled all over the place. My friends and family will all agree with that. My family traveled non-stop as I was growing up, as a combination of my dad's time in the service, as well as my grandfather (mom's side), serving in the Air Force. They were so used to traveling, that they just passed it on to me. There's not a place that I don't want to experience once in my life. When I have the chance, I don't pass up on it. Even if it is a solo trip to New York City, without telling anyone. Sorry, Mom.
Believe What You Say
My dad believes everything he says. He's that confident. While I can sit here and tell you some times that I thought he has been wrong, he's made me the same way. I believe everything I say. It would be rare for you to hear me speak about something/someone that I don't believe in. I know my values, and I am certainly not scared to share what I believe. Don't get my dad or I started on politics.
Finish What You Start
My mom is going to kill me for this, but my dad gives her such a hard time about her starting projects without finishing them. He's even mounted a whiteboard in her crafting room to keep up with her projects. He updates it for her, and he uses it to show her how much she does without finishing. My dad always finishes what he starts; yard work, a TV series, or getting a vacation planned out.
Stay Agile
My dad plans out every trip with a folder. This folder contains; itineraries, restaurant menus, hotel reservations, maps, and a list of attractions. He does all this for the hopes that everything runs on time and as scheduled. However, he always has a plan B ready. I can't tell you how many times he's ready for Plan B. Actually, it's always.
Know You're Not Above Any Job
I've heard this a million times. When I was shipped off to college, my parents were gracious enough to let me go without working my freshman year. However, following that, I was told that I needed to get a job. I was being extremely picky at the start of my search. My dad pounded the idea in my head that I wasn't too good for any job. I ended up getting a really cool job, but by the time I got it- I was ready to do whatever job I could find.
Don't Take Handouts
My dad doesn't believe in handouts. He believes that you should work hard to get what you want. I don't blame him for thinking that. He works his butt off, always has, for every little thing that he has, my mom has, and I have had. He wants to provide for himself and his family, he doesn't want anyone else to. I'm the same way. Let me provide for myself and those I love.
Love Your Family
Our little family is great. I've loved being in it every moment I've been alive. However, we're not perfect, by any means. My dad knows that. He knows he has his flaws, I have mine, and my mom has hers. That being said, my dad loves my mom and I more than anything. He'll fight for us, and he's always there for us when we need him. I can only hope to be as dependable as he is, one day.
These are things that I have learned from my dad, following his stint in the Air Force. He's made it clear to me how about how much faith, responsibility, and growth he gained from his time in the service. My dad is tough, really tough, but I can only hope to provide for my family and excel like he does, one day.
"Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win"
