Something my mom always says about herself in my dad is that she's the bad cop and that my dad is the "Winnie the Pooh" of their parenting team. This usually gets a big laugh from whoever we are with. I don't agree that my mom is the bad cop, but it says a lot about my family.

My dad has always been such a strong support system for me. Having my dad being a part of my life and involved in all parts of it makes me such a lucky kid. I have learned so much from his honesty, kindness, intelligence, and being a genuine good person all the time. Being the daughter of a man like this warrants one thing: incredibly high standards.

Being supported and encouraged to do everything I want to do, and being told that I CAN do everything I want to do, is a boost of confidence that not everyone gets in their life. I have never had to doubt myself or my decisions, because I always knew I had this support system by my side. Doing all things with kindness and patience is something I learned from my dad. Everyone in our lives, he treats with the same kindness and patience, especially me.

Being able to have a father who possesses all of these qualities, and seeing them in real life has taught me so much. I have learned how to have these qualities in my own character. What I have also learned, which many people are not lucky enough to see at this young of an age, is to surround myself with people with these qualities. I know that out in the real world, outside of my family's little bubble, I need to be around the people who bring out the best in me, who encourage me always, and who support me and are proud of me no matter what.

I need to surround myself with people who treat me the way my dad has shown me how to treat people. This is why I have such high standards, because the character of my father is the standard at which I judge all men. I know that this person with such great qualities exist, because it is my dad. Thank you dad for showing me what it means to be a good person, and how I should associate myself with people that share the goodness you have shown.