Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one. My dad is the best “worst joke” teller I have ever met. He finds joy telling silly jokes to get a groan from anyone within hearing distance. His sense of humor has made growing up fun, even in difficult or boring situations. My dad is self-employed, and I was homeschooled throughout my K-12 education. This flexible schedule allowed me to spend a lot of time with my parents, particularly my dad. My dad has had the biggest impact on my life, shaping me into the person I am today. My values, work ethic, and outlook on life have been formed through the lessons he has taught me. Some of my best memories with my dad involve being outside in nature. We frequently would go on trail walks and camping trips. As I got older, we joined Colorado Youth Outdoors, a local non-profit organization that focuses on strengthening relationships through outdoor recreation. For 3 years, I learned archery, fly tying, outdoor survival skills, trap shooting, and fishing alongside my dad. These activities taught me patience, respect for nature, and teamwork. My dad instilled in me responsibility. When we hike, camp, or fish, he stresses the importance of having respect for wildlife and the environment. This accountability mindset has stayed with me and has influenced my decision to pursue a career in Natural Resources. I am currently working on an Associate’s degree in Forestry Technology at my local community college. My strong work ethic is inspired by my dad. He does the work that needs to be done and doesn’t expect anything in return. This has shaped how I approach responsibilities in my life. I’ve learned to take pride in doing things well. I try to go above and beyond the expected standard. My dad has taught me to learn from my mistakes. He never expects me to be perfect, but he wants me to put in the effort. When things in my life don’t go as planned, like not getting the summer job I wanted, he encouraged me to improve for next time. As a result, I have become more resilient and view these situations as a chance to learn and grow. My dad has not only taught me concrete skills, like woodworking, driving a car, and how to tie a necktie, but he has also shown me the importance of kindness and humility. Seeing him put these attributes in action has impacted how I interact with others in my life. I try to listen and understand before saying anything. I try to be positive and encouraging when I contribute at school or work. My dad’s example has shown me that character is built through small actions. My dad has influenced my values through his actions and words. He has taught me responsibility, perseverance, and humility. These qualities guide my daily decisions. Even though I am still learning, the foundation he has instilled in me will have a lasting impact on the man I am and the man I hope to become.