The Value of Family
By Gwyn
The saying, “daddy’s girl,” doesn’t fall far from the tree for me. Growing up, my dad has always been my go-to. Whether it was teaching me to ride a bike, making nachos with me at 2 am or settling me down from a pointless anger rage, he was always there. He is a man of wisdom, gratitude, and respect. Ever since I was young, I always saw him as just a dad, but he is much more. As I have grown older, I have had some time to reflect on the endless gratitude I owe to my father.
Taking you back to my freshman year of college, I had a rough time. I was diagnosed with mono first semester, which heavily impacted my ability to make friends, pursue my collegiate swimming career, and enjoy the freedom a first-year student should have. For months, I had an internal battle about whether or not JCU was the place for me, whether I could even continue college, or whether I should move back home. I finally opened up to my family about these thoughts, and before I knew it, my dad made the 2-hour long drive the next day to see me. We spent most of the day just talking about life, goals, passions, and what I am genuinely looking for. Rather than telling me to move home and drop everything, my dad pushed me to continue. He told me to enjoy the process, and I took that advice.
Fast forward to senior year; I have had the best college experience one could have asked for. With a successful swimming career, successful work opportunities, and great friends, I trusted the process. In a sense, I owe it to my dad for pushing me, but that is not the point of this story. That instance, freshman year was only one of the many life challenges I have faced throughout college. I don’t want to define them as a midlife crisis, but I have had my share of “college crisis.” But my dad always had faith in me, even when I was at my worst. That is why he is my role model. To me, a role model is someone that never gives up on you and pushes you to keep moving forward. While that isn’t a typical definition of a role model, I continually look up to my father for his continuous kindness and giving nature. Now, as I approach graduation, I will “leave” the security of my father and family. I will be my adult. Even though the thought of being on my own is terrifying, as any college grad can verify, I know that my person, my role model, will always be there. At this point in my life, I can easily say I would not be where I am without his endless support, perspective on life, and contagious energy. The lessons he has taught me, and there is more than he knows, will always be by my side. For anyone who needs it, remember to keep your family close and to trust the process.
