Who has influenced me?
A lot of different people have influenced me over the years like teachers, friends, family, and coaches. They've all tried to teach me moral lessons to improve on my abilities as a human to lead and help others. They all said the same basic things; go to college, be good to others, help the needy, be honest, and etc. My dad was one of the people who would tell me this. And while I appreciated it, I feel like that's not how he influenced me the most. He influenced me more with his story of coming to the US and establishing a life here and then a landscaping company. How he works 9 hours a day 6 days a week to put food on the table.
What has influenced me?
As previously stated my dad's story influenced me, but so did a lot more. Seeing my parents go from renting a 1 room apartment to owing a 3 room house, taking care of 4 children, and doing they're best to provide us with all the essentials of life really makes me want to do the best I can so that one day I could pay them back for all they've done for me and my siblings. Also the idea of one day having a family is a huge influence to me. I want to be able to provide them with everything they need and then some.
Has it changed since high school?
No, I'm a pretty stubborn dude and it took a while for me to have the mindset I have to today. The mindset I graduated high school with is the one I want to keep because this one is the one that got me into the University of Oklahoma. I don't ever want to become lazy or lose sight of my goals.
Who do I hope to influence?d
If I was only able to influence a few people it would be my children. I would want them to understand that their neither me nor their grandparents ever knew what the privileged life was like and that we've had to work hard for everything that we have. I would hope that they would be inspired somewhat like I have been and understand that they have an unlimited potential to be whatever they want to be.