Assignment 19- Katelyn Rowell- Smile :)

Growing up, my dad was one of six children living on a small farm in Fowler, Michigan. Both of my grandparents had jobs that they worked during the day and ran the farm on the side. They made just enough money to get by, however, everyone in the house was always busy. Being the eldest child, my father was tasked with a lot of responsibilities. Not only did my dad have to keep up with chores around the farm, but he also had to take care of his younger siblings. On top of that, he played two varsity sports and had nightly homework. Yet no matter how busy he became, my dad never complained. After high school, he paid his own tuition and got a degree in engineering from Michigan State. My father is the hardest working person I’ve ever met. No matter what life throws at him, he takes it on with a smile. Growing up, he would always tell me the quote, “Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.” Just like my father, I love this quote, and I think I always will. While you can’t control what life throws at you, you can control how you react to it. My dad wouldn’t be the successful person he is today if he didn’t have this attitude growing up. He could have easily sat there and complained whenever he felt overwhelmed. Instead, he worked hard, stayed positive, and was able to accomplish his goals. In my seventeen years with my dad, he has given me a lot of advice. But I think this is the best piece yet. Although I’m not as positive and patient as him by nature, I’ll always try to smile and stay positive when faced with challenges.