Mar 22 2011
An Influential Individual
Throughout life there have been countless individuals who have helped shape, and influence the person I am today. From friends, family members and teachers each have contributed to the character I now possess. While close family members have certainly been primary contributors, my grandfather is one influential person who has inspired me more than anyone. Although he is now quite successful he came from a low income family, having lived during the depression. With hard economic times he was forced to take grasp of family responsibility after the death of his father, as well as leave school in his grade nine year. However these were not the only hardships he endured. When Canada entered World War II he immediately joined the Navy. Although this was defiantly a life threatening choice, he made it through with no injuries and went on to seek an accounting career. While he had only obtained his grade nine education, his participation in the war allowed him to go through the Certified General Accountants program. After having achieved this degree he was among the few Certified General Accountants in all of Canada, and went on to live a very fulfilled and successful life. While these experiences alone have had an impact on me as his grandson, proving that with hard work and perseverance anything is possible, his influence reaches far past this. Throughout the time I have spent with him, his advice and life lessons have stuck with me more than anyone else’s. Specifically his emphasis on English as an essential skill for not only academic success but also for professionalism has taught me how to act accordingly in any situation and present myself in a appropriate manner. More importantly the family legacy he has created certainly pushed me towards pursuing a career in commerce which undoubtedly was the right choice.