Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." These words resonate deeply with me as they capture the essence of my father's approach to life and leadership.

Growing up, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the embodiment of true leadership through the unwavering example set by my father. 

Starting when I was young, my father’s example instilled in me the importance of dedication, perseverance, and integrity in everything I do. In his roles at work and in the community, he demonstrated that true leadership is not about holding a position of power or authority, but rather about inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential. His actions taught me that the best leaders lead by example and are always ready to rollup their sleeves and work with their team to tackle the big challenges.

One of the most profound leadership lessons I learned from my father is the value of hard work. He showed me that one earns success with consistent effort and perseverance, and by showing up every day determined to solve problems and make improvements. Success is earned through relentless effort and determination. Whether in his professional endeavors or personal pursuits, my father approached every task with a “get-things-done” spirit of purpose and commitment. He taught me that no goal is too lofty, no dream too big, as long as you are willing to put in the work to achieve it.

A different, but equally important facet of my father’s approach to leadership is his capacity to lead with empathy and compassion. He understands the importance of listening to others, of valuing their perspectives and experiences, and of fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within his team. He treats everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or position, and earns trust and loyalty through his genuine concern for the well-being of those around him.

My father's leadership extends beyond the confines of the workplace and into our community. He is committed to contribute to the greater good and doing his best to leave a positive impact on the world around us. His leadership by example has encouraged others to find ways to support the community in whatever capacity they could. It forged my own commitment to bring similar generosity and concern for community well-being wherever I land.

My father’s example has influenced my understanding of leadership and shaped my own personal leadership abilities and attributes. Through observation of his actions and values, I aspire to lead by example, to prioritize empathy and compassion, and to approach challenges with resilience and determination. I work to empower and inspire others, and foster comradery and collaboration within teams. As I navigate leadership roles, within academic, extracurricular, or professional settings, I strive to emulate his integrity, work ethic, and commitment to service. 

Thanks to my father’s guidance, I feel a genuine responsibility to contribute to my community and the world at large. My goal is to lead with purpose and offer meaningful support  wherever I go. As a volunteer, advocate, or mentor I aspire to follow my father’s footsteps and serve with quiet hard work and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others. 

In conclusion, my father has profoundly shaped how I want to evolve as a leader. I know the measure of my effectiveness as a leader will not come from public accolades or formal recognition. Rather, the measure will be how my hard work, integrity and empathy have made it possible for others to grow and shine and do meaningful work themselves. As Theodore Roosevelt aptly stated, "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing," and I am grateful to my father for showing me the way.