My childhood memento is a refrigerator magnet that has a city view of Dallas on it.  When I was about 6 ½ years old my father had to go on business trip.  This was the first time growing up that my father was not at home with us.  A few years before this my father was attending IVY Tech.  He received his associate’s degree in computer programming when I was 5 years old.  Immediately after graduating he received a job at what was then called Nations Bank.  My father moved up the ladder rather quickly with hard work and determination.  His business trip was only a few days; he flew to Dallas, Texas.  I remember being so excited when he came home; asking him questions about what it was like.  My father hugged my sister and me, and then he gave us each a magnet.  We were poor and my parents couldn’t afford big gifts at the time, but even something as small and as cheap as the magnet was something so special to us. 

 

This has influence my life in such a big way.  This was the beginning of the end for my family’s poverty.  It would be several years before my father would be making the kind of money that made him not have to worry about making sure we had enough to put food on the table.  My father showed my sister and me that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what path you choose in life, as long as you have a good education and are willing to work hard you will succeed.  Since that day my father has been on many business trips to Florida, New York, Arizona, and North Carolina, he has worked is way up to becoming a Vice President in his company.  He is a man that everyone at Bank of America admires and trusts.  My father has taught me the importance of an education, and how to have a strong work ethic.