I’ve been a daddy’s girl since day one, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Even amidst all of my angst-y teenage years, my bad days and my good, my dad has remained my best friend throughout it all. He’s shaped me into the person I am today and I will always take it as the biggest compliment when I’m told I am “just like my father.”

Music, I would have never guessed that something that was so menial in my daily life growing up would be one of the few things that makes me truly happy when I got older. Ever since I can remember my dad has been quizzing me on classic rock and introducing me to new music on the daily. He sparked my appreciation for a good concert, and my love for jamming out in the car to Led Zeppelin, The Eagles and Boston. I know when I’m having a bad day I can put one of my records on, and just mentally put myself somewhere far away, my dad has given me my escape.

He taught me to be myself and to not worry about that opinions of others. My dad has always told me not to be embarrassed about what others think, and to do things my way wholeheartedly without regrets. I remember being young, reserved and shy and he would always push me outside of my comfort zone and encourage me to be social and talkative, little did I know that I would choose my career path on my love for talking to and helping people. He’s given me my future.

My dad taught me to appreciate what we have now, and to live in the moment. I see the way he still, to this day, respects his parents and visits them as frequently as possible and it reminds me to never get too wrapped up in my own life, and to remember the people who have gotten me to where I am, because it’s true, you never know what you’ve got until it’s gone. He’s given me love.

I wouldn't be as driven, humble, or as level-headed without my dad. A little hard-work goes a long way, but a lot of hard-work can take you to infinity and beyond. I know when I do something good or achieve that one goal I’ve been working so hard for, I don't need to brag about it and rub it in others’ faces. Doing things for yourself is worth so much more in the long run than just doing it for the gratification and approval of others. My dad has taught me what hard work was since day one, I’ve known the value of a dollar my whole life and allowances never came my way unless I did my chores above and beyond his expectations. I’ve learned to work for my money, and to do something I love so I’m excited and happy about going to work, and not dreading it. He’s given me integrity and passion.

He’s my number one fan, he’s my go-to, he’s my best friend, my superhero and the only man I’ll ever truly need, he's my dad. There’s no one I respect or admire more. I am who I am because of him and being “just like my father” is and will always be my most amazing trait. I love you, daddio, you’ve made me, me.