Senior 39

Growing up, My dad was always working, and not around to teach me the basics, like riding a bike, mowing the lawn, changing my car oil, or changing a flat tire. While most kids were speeding around on two-wheels, I was proudly rocking my training wheels.  Weird enough, it caught the attention of my neighbor, Mr. Stacy. Mr Stacy, an old man, taught me how to ride a bike. Although I was an energetic and stubborn little kid, he still made an effort to teach me how to ride without training wheels. He encouraged me through it all and eventually taught me how to do it on my own. This wasn’t the only lesson he taught me, when my parents divorced I learned most of my lessons with him. I never learned how to mow the lawn or even bothered to try it on my own. At the brink of dawn, I woke up to the annoying noise of a lawnmower. As I got up and went to check who it was, I saw Mr. Stacy mowing the lawn. He saw me and told me to throw some shoes on. So, I got ready and went out. Here, he taught me the importance of stepping up and being the man of the house now that my dad wasn’t with us. Especially taking over and doing some of the labor I was used to my dad doing. Although the journey began with uneven grass patches and nasty green shoes, I eventually got way better at it. For most, leadership derives from a parent or family member, but I had a unique example, my neighbor. 

Mr Stacy taught me the value of community engagement, mentorship, empathy, leading by example, and support. Just being a good neighbor, teaching me life lessons, understanding the adversity others are facing, and being a supportive tree for them has fully motivated me. She was very good at building trust, actively listening, resilience, and leading by example. By helping victims throughout their circumstances no matter how difficult the situation and helping them with their struggles she became an example for what I dictate to be a leader. Someone who influences positive change and leaves an influence on others. 

The emotional support of Mr Stacy ultimately pushed me as a person today. My parents divorced in 2021 which was extremely difficult for me and my little brother. It hurt even more knowing our dad wanted nothing to do with us afterward and chose to change his number and remove all contact with us. Our family was torn down but I couldn’t let our branches fall apart. Through the help and encouragement I gained from Mr Stacy at a young age, I was able to step up and become a leader for my little brother, providing him with emotional support, encouragement, and inspiration. I tried to fill the impact he had around the house, for example, daily chores or even working. I went out and got a job and told my mother that she would no longer need to worry about me. I worked because I wanted to, I wanted to make a difference and be the best son possible, or as she likes to call it “the man of the house”! 

I’m thankful to be surrounded by good leaders and a community of people who really want to help others. I strive to take these valuable lessons and implement them into my future. This will be done by influencing my community through community engagement, mentorship, empathy, leading by example, and being supportive, just like Mr. Stacy.