"Make a decision and stick to it. The more you commit to what you are going to do, the more likely you'll score." - Chris Lazzaro My father Chris Lazzaro, a passionate, loving, and strong Italian man said those words to me on the bench while coaching me in one of many hockey games during my 10-plus years of playing AA & AAA hockey. A few years ago during a game, the whistle had blown and the play was over. I was next up and my dad gave me the head nod that I always looked for. The puck dropped and we won the faceoff. I immediately picked my head up to make a play. A teammate headed to the net, ready to tip the puck in if I choose to shoot. To my left was my defensive partner open and ready for a pass. I started to move over but froze! BAM! An enemy winger checked my side and knocked me off the puck possession. The crowd moaned and mixed emotions filled my body. Just hearing the crowd, my frustration about my hesitation, and then anger as the result of the check led the enemy team on a breakaway scoring a point. I went back to the bench. My dad walked over to me and leaned in knowing how upset I was and said, "I do not know why you froze up, but next time I want you to make a decision and stick to it! The more you commit to what you are going to do, the more likely you'll score." I heard those words and they have not left my head. I hear them whether in a hockey game, at work, or school. I had not been pre-planning and following through with commitment. I was young and unknowingly letting others like my parents guide me and make choices. Now was my turn. I needed to grow, to not freeze up and overthink my choices. I learned that I need to be the one to communicate with others and then adapt in life just like on the ice. Even when the path is unclear, I will make a choice and stick to it just as my dad has done with his life. He was not given the opportunities I was given growing up. Having a dad around to help guide, teach, and coach him. I appreciate all the blessings he has given me and acknowledge his efforts to make me the man I am today. He has imparted to me many words of wisdom I will use while I pursue my business and marketing degree at Seton Hall. Knowing that my dad has overcome many obstacles by making a commitment and sticking to wise choices in life just to provide for and teach myself and my two siblings. I will go on and commit to every challenge and stick to good decisions to honor him and all he has done for me.

"Make a decision and stick to it. The more you commit to what you are going to do, the more likely you'll score." - Chris Lazzaro My father Chris Lazzaro, a passionate, loving, and strong Italian man said those words to me on the bench while coaching me in one of many hockey games during my 10-plus years of playing AA & AAA hockey. A few years ago during a game, the whistle had blown and the play was over. I was next up and my dad gave me the head nod that I always looked for. The puck dropped and we won the faceoff. I immediately picked my head up to make a play. A teammate headed to the net, ready to tip the puck in if I choose to shoot. To my left was my defensive partner open and ready for a pass. I started to move over but froze! BAM! An enemy winger checked my side and knocked me off the puck possession. The crowd moaned and mixed emotions filled my body. Just hearing the crowd, my frustration about my hesitation, and then anger as the result of the check led the enemy team on a breakaway scoring a point. I went back to the bench. My dad walked over to me and leaned in knowing how upset I was and said, "I do not know why you froze up, but next time I want you to make a decision and stick to it! The more you commit to what you are going to do, the more likely you'll score." I heard those words and they have not left my head. I hear them whether in a hockey game, at work, or school. I had not been pre-planning and following through with commitment. I was young and unknowingly letting others like my parents guide me and make choices. Now was my turn. I needed to grow, to not freeze up and overthink my choices. I learned that I need to be the one to communicate with others and then adapt in life just like on the ice. Even when the path is unclear, I will make a choice and stick to it just as my dad has done with his life. He was not given the opportunities I was given growing up. Having a dad around to help guide, teach, and coach him. I appreciate all the blessings he has given me and acknowledge his efforts to make me the man I am today. He has imparted to me many words of wisdom I will use while I pursue my business and marketing degree at Seton Hall. Knowing that my dad has overcome many obstacles by making a commitment and sticking to wise choices in life just to provide for and teach myself and my two siblings. I will go on and commit to every challenge and stick to good decisions to honor him and all he has done for me.