Last Wednesday (November 18^th), I was lucky enough to take part in an open forum with California assembly member Katcho Achadjian.

Achadjian, a Lebanese immigrant, is currently serving as the representative of the 35^th district (which encompasses San Luis Obispo county and part of Santa Barbara county) and in my mind is a poster child of the American dream.

Katcho grew up a poor immigrant who came to San Luis Obispo in 1971, where his sister was living at the time, to attend Cuesta College. After graduating from Cuesta, Katcho enrolled in Cal Poly and eventually graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Although Mr. Achadjian was gifted at an early age with intelligence, an incredible work ethic and determination, his degree did not come easily. In order to pay for school, Katcho had to work at a gas station during college. He had to learn English on the fly and developed an unmatched work ethic and a curiosity for the in-and-outs of business.

"Don’t be discouraged in your life. Difficult times don’t last, but difficult people do,” Achadjian said.

After graduation, Achadjian decided in 1978 that he would purchase gas stations and start running a small business. His small chain of gas stations in San Luis Obispo soon brought him success. It is a success that he has continued to enjoy throughout his career. His small business now employs about 30 workers and has three different locations.

You may be wondering how a Lebanese gas station owner in San Luis Obispo became a politician? When asked, Achadjian chuckled and said that he followed his heart.

A true philanthropist who is dedicated to serving others, Achadjian volunteered in support of numerous service and non-profit organizations throughout the community. He was recognized as the Arroyo Grande citizen of the year in 1984 and 1998, granted the “inspire greatness” award from the Special Olympics and labeled the “Angel for Kids” by the South County Boys and Girls club three times to name a few.

“The more involved I got, the better I did. Then the awards and titles started coming my way," he said,

Now, because of his passion and “commitment to being the best,” Achadjian finds himself as the representative of the 35^th district in the California state assembly and is running for congress in the 24^th district.

I consider myself lucky to have met a man like Achadjian. Unlike the majority of politicians I come across, he did not attempt to push an agenda or acquire my vote. Instead, he challenged me and all the other individuals in the room. He challenged us to go after what we want in life. He advised us not to be discouraged by mistakes but instead to learn from them. He implored us to never let our emotions get the best of us and to keep an open mind. These were words that I wish everyone could have heard.

Men like Achadjian make this country great. When asked about one thing that every businessman or politician needs to be successful, Achadjian gave us a simple but elegant answer: “It’s all about attitude.”