My father being a funeral director and coroner of my county has affected me in numerous ways. From his stern parenting to his commitment to his community and state, he has taught me things no class ever could. When he leaves me and my family for work, he does not go to a quiet office where he is guaranteed to be home by five; he is going into work at nine where he may be lucky to return home at two in the morning and is completely surrounded by turmoil and death. Throughout my 20 years, I have acquired fascinating knowledge that has molded me into who I am today; all because of my father. I have learned that once we are born into this perfectly disarrayed world, we are promised death; but we must take advantage of the time we are given to make it worthwhile.

Throughout my childhood, my father was very strict with his parenting. I was never allowed to ride with my friends until I turned 16. Even then I was still confined to my city limits, but I guess it was better than nothing. He would always tell me to let him know when I left and then got to my destination. Some days, when I would ask to go out with friends he would blatantly say, "No, not tonight." And that was not because I had disobeyed or not completed my chores; it was just because he had a, "bad feeling about it." Frustrated and confused, I would storm up to my room and mope around the rest of the night. To say the least, I was selfish. As I grew older, I realized that I did not consider the horrific images that my father has had to examine throughout his career, and that he still carries with him every day.

Considering my father has been a part of the funeral industry and Law Enforcement for over 20 years, he is widely known throughout our county. If there was an opportunity where he could connect with or help people in our community, he was there; no questions asked. Seeing him demonstrate his constant dedication and courageous acts throughout our county inspired me

to be a leader in my community and school. I am a part of more than 10 extra-curricular activities and have acquired over 130 volunteer service hours throughout my high school career in hope that I could one day be as noble as my dad.

Although I did not understand my father's harsh parenting or frequent absence at the dinner table, I now realize that he does it to help others. I will probably never know all the ways my father's job has affected me, but I know that I shouldn't take one day for granted; because we are not promised tomorrow. The trouble is people think they have time, however, I am shown every day that is not true. My father has demonstrated the meaning of selfless, and I aspire to live my life the same.