HYPE S(x)IT

As far as something, or someone being influential to my craft, the one stand-out choice would be my father. Even though it has nothing to do with my field, which is audio production, it plays an especially large role in how I conduct myself throughout life. My father has always instilled in me a mindset to always have a sense of urgency, whether it is in school, at work, or in the studio. I use him as an example whenever I think I cannot do or achieve something, which always turns my look on that particular situation I’m in, completely around.

My father is now Vice President of admissions for The Art Institutes, but the road to his goal of success wasn’t paved in diamond, as you would think. He started out his career handing out flyers in the freezing New York City streets for the college he wanted to work for at the time. By hard work, showing dedication, and diligence he eventually got a starting position at the school, guiding students from different campuses to the one he worked for. Push comes to shove, and through years of even more gruelingly hard work, he landed himself an executive position at a very renowned institute of learning.

Another lesson he taught me was not to act as though I have achieved more than I have, which will result in receiving the world. Numerous times, he has quoted this bible verse, “It is better to be “nobody”, yet have a servant, than to pretend to be “somebody”, yet have no food”. That line rings through my head almost every day. I always notice the good things my father receives, because of his attitude towards helping people, and his hard work. Witnessing all of this is the reason why I have come as far as I have in life, although I have hit a few bumps in the road undoubtedly, I always find a way to somehow, get myself back on track. I couldn’t ask for more of an influence than what I have.

Last year, my father showed me an employee made DVD of past workers giving their testimonials on how much my dad has changed their lives. One person actually went as far as saying, “Without your guidance, my life would be nothing!” Seeing all of this left me proud, but also determined to succeed just as much as my father has, except in my own field of expertise. Hopefully through following my father’s words, and advice, I can become Influential on people’s lives, as he has.

The expected answer to this topic usually would most likely be a celebrity, athlete, or some other superficially created entity. However, I chose to take a route which really touches home to me. My dad is like a celebrity to me, he’s made it from the very bottom, to the top. Not from luck or a hand out, but from extremely hard work, and consistency. Now you tell me, what more could you ask for?