When someone struggles to express themselves, frustration can quickly turn into silence. Experiencing those moments made me realize how powerful communication truly is and that realization began with my stepfather, Greg. Greg served in the Navy from 1998 to 2001 as a mineman in Cicely, Italy. He told me he joined for two reasons: military service was part of his family history and he needed structure, direction, and the opportunity to become a better man. The Navy shaped him into someone who remains calm under pressure, problem solves confidently, and his most important lesson; communicate effectively. He learned to “just do it”, whatever challenge was in front of him. My mom and Greg were best friends as teenagers and made a “deal” at 17 to marry if they were single at the age of 40. That “deal” became part of their love story and for the past 10 years I have been fortunate to grow up with Greg as my stepdad. Through him, I have learned the importance of communication, “just do it”, and mint chocolate chip ice cream. In 2020, Greg started his own commercial door business installing, repairing, and servicing doors, docks and gates. Owning a construction business feels like a roller coaster. I have watched him on a high; working twelve-hour days, six days a week. Then all of a sudden there’s a drop; days spent searching for the next job. He carried the stress of maintaining steady income, generating business, and the physical toll of his labor. Exhausted, with sore knees, callused hands, cuts, and bruises, he still attended my dance recitals, took me barrel racing, attended my flag football games, and taught me how to drive. He just “did it” and would always find a way to fit in mint chocolate chip ice cream. What I saw: he never stopped moving forward, despite the highs and lows. Greg often said, “Just do it.” To him, that meant pushing forward through fear, the unknown, and obstacles because meaningful things are worth all efforts. I watched him apply his military mindset to entrepreneurship, especially while restructuring his business through financial challenges. Instead of dissolving the business, he communicated, brainstormed, and found solutions. He never gave up, he just “did it”, and treated himself to mint chocolate chip ice cream. Greg always made me feel seen. Whether he was asking about the best part of my day or what the latest school gossip was, he showed me how powerful listening is. During high school, my flag football coach singled me out and made me question my value on the team. I wanted to quit. Greg told me I had to communicate to the coach my feelings first, “just do it”. Communicating may be uncomfortable, the outcome uncertain, but without it there is no opportunity for change. He sat next to me at a meeting with my coach and encouraged me to first share facts and second how they made me feel. He gave me the confidence to use my voice. I walked into that meeting scared and unsure of myself, but I left feeling seen, ready for mint chocolate chip ice cream. Greg has inspired me to take a chance on myself, “just do it” and pursue an education in Speech Pathology at California State University San Marcos. I want to help children find ways to communicate and feel understood because I know how life-changing communication can be. Greg's military and business experience have made him an incredible stepfather. When I told Greg I was accepted, he celebrated as he always did: with mint chocolate chip ice cream.