Hard Work; Only half of the Equation

I am a product of two very hard working people. My father didn’t go to college, instead he paid for his siblings to go while working as a painter. He eventually created his own company, doing the labor himself alongside his employees. My mom has worked every service job under the sun. From retail to the food industry, she worked her way up the chain to become the manager in all of her roles.

These examples have taught me the value of hard work. Not to mention my parents putting me to work at a very young age. In the summertime, when I was young I was dog walking, house sitting, and holding dynamite lemonade sales (we are talking about $100 in profits each sale... "How to squeeze more profits out of your lemonade," to be featured soon). I started babysitting when you could have argued I needed a babysitter of my own, and as soon as I got my worker’s permit I was sent out into the workforce.

I take pride in my strong work ethic and like to think I am where I am today because of it… but truly I know that’s only half of the equation.

This morning I was preparing for my mentoring program called “Steps for Success,” at Olyer High School. I work with four juniors in high school. The students have weekly work for the program, but I only see them monthly. While looking over the documents they have been studying I ran over this quote.

It’s humbling to remember I am not self-made. I am a product of my parents, who took the time to teach me the value of work. I was fortunate to have always been surrounded by people who believed in me, and more importantly my dreams. It’s the mentors I have acquired through the years that have given me the tools I need to be successful.

Spending an hour of my time each month (really, no time at all), is how I choose to give back. I want to be able to give the knowledge I have acquired to others. The kids I mentor are really smart, but I know they haven’t been given the opportunities, like I have, which has led me to succeed.... and that’s the other part of the equation.

#success #hardwork