Biggest influence

The1calledTKE · #1 10-16-2001, 10:03 PM

Who are/were the biggest influences in your life. My Parents were of course they ehlped make me what I am today. Also my girlfriend is because she helped "fine tune" me. lol

KSigkid · #2 10-16-2001, 11:15 PM

I'd say first off my parents. They taught me a lot about how to always keep striving - there's always something more you can do if you work hard enough at it, and to know that if at the end of the day, you were exhausted from trying, you'd done your best, and that you could be damn proud of it. Because of them, I feel I've become a hard worker, and a lot more determined.

Two people at college who come to mind quickly are a pledge brother of mine, and the chapter father. The pledge brother I won't name, but both of them taught me that, no matter what happens, even if bad things happen to you, that there are ways to get through it, and to see the best things in life. They are two of the most amazing people I've ever met, and to see how they've dealt with the tough parts of life is, well, amazing. They're a couple of people that I wish everyone would be so lucky as to have in their chapters. Even with everything going on with them, they're two of the first people who would be there for you, no questions, in a heartbeat. Utterly amazing, I'll never be able to fully let them know how much I admire them, but they've affected me in a great way.

justamom · #3 10-17-2001, 01:20 PM

I'd have to say it was growing up in the country and spending time with my Grandparents. Country life fosters independence
and creativity. My grandparents were the anchor in my life. I learned what real love is and how to stand up for your beliefs. I also learned that a man is only as good as his word.

G8Ralphaxi · #4 10-17-2001, 01:23 PM

My grandfather...he directly influenced so many specific aspects of my life.

I was his only female grandchild (I have 5 guy cousins, plus my brother) so I got a little extra doting and attention sometimes.

1. Music - I started studying piano when I was 5 because I wanted to play like he did. He always helped my with my music studies, wrote songs for me, and even gave me his piano a few years ago. The piano is a Steinway parlor grand that he got from his father when he was about 18, so it's really old. He got it all fixed up before he gave it to me, new strings, soundboard, felts, etc. It just sounds sooooo beautiful, lovely resonant tone. I've played other instruments too (oboe, percussion, etc.). A lot of my love for music is directly traceable to him. He's also influenced a lot of my other artistic/creative interests as well, such as drawing, painting, and redoing furniture, etc.

2. German - His grandparents emigrated from Germany in the late 1800s and he grew up in a predominately German area of Pennsylvania. He spoke German fluently and taught me some when I was little. I studied it in high school, and German was one of my majors in undergrad. I also studied as an exchange student one summer. He used to send me little notes and cards up at school all in German.

3. Law - He has made it financially sooooo much easier for me to attend law school. I'm going to a state school (U of Florida) so it's not too $$$, but it's still so great for my stress levels to not worry about taking out loans. I am very very lucky. Granddad has always been so supportive of my educational pursuits, as for all the grandkids too.

He just passed away in February at the age of 91.

I miss him a whole lot. I have a great picture of him in my room - it's black and white and he's playing the piano (the one he gave me). In the picture he's just a little older than I am now.

PhiSigButterfly · #5 10-17-2001, 02:12 PM

The biggest influence in my life was definately my grandfather. For as long as I can remember I thought there was nothing better than my grandpa (paw-paw). My paw-paw served in WW2 and he could sit down with you and tell you hours and hours of stories about the war. Even if you were a complete stranger. I totaly respected this about him. When he told his war stories to me it reflected how proud he was of his country and he would do anything for it. My paw-paw went to law school and became a lawyer in Florida after the war. He eventually became a circuit court judge. His reputation in our home town was amazing. He was known to rule his court with a fist of iron and a heart of gold. He also created this place in our home town called Youth Haven, it is the areas only all childrens residential service. It is like a house for children of abuse or neglect to go to to be cared for. It is an amazing place, and I visited it several times during my childhood with him. I loved seeing the looks on the childrens faces and the employees when he would come visit. Just how much they appreciated what he did. Ever since I could basically speak I have always wanted to be a lawyer because of my paw-paw. I remember he would take me and my sister and my cousins into his courtrooms sometimes just to show us off. And I remember playing in his office all the time when he was practicing law. God, now that I'm typing this I could go on for days and days about my paw-paw. I am interested reading other peoples replies to this question so I am hoping that my post isnt boring anyone. But he meant more to me than I think anything. Of course other than my parents who are definately a big influence in my life. But I think the reason I am speaking so strongly about this is that my paw-paw passed away last year the day before Thanksgiving and with the 1 year anniversary of his death coming up (actually falling on Thanksgiving this year) I have been thinking about him a lot. And just how much he influenced me and I know many other people. At his service last year there had to be at least 100-150 people there. People I had never met or even heard of that would come up to me and tell me how wonderful my grandfather was and I just had to agree with them. I'm at college now going after my law degree (not quiet to law school yet but working on it) and he passed away before I officially declared my major and told my family about it. (I got on a short kick of wanting to be an accountant...a few business classes changed that

) But I know he is up in heaven watching down on me and I am doing the best I can to make him proud and I hope to follow in his footsteps and one day practice law in one of the courtrooms he ruled in.

justamom · #6 10-17-2001, 02:38 PM

Not to change topics, just an observation. I find it interesting that a Granparent has played such an important role in our lives. Are our family ties disintigrating from the mobilization of families? How does that relate to our society in general? Food for thought.

I spent the most time with my Grandpa too.

Dejajeva · #7 10-17-2001, 02:53 PM

Justamom-

That was so random because that was the exact same kind of question and wording that my lit prof would give us to do an essay on.

My biggest influence would probably have to be...both my grandparents. My mother worked a lot so I got spend a lot of time with them both. I wish I would have appreciated what they've done and been through a lot sooner than I had.

Always,
Jess

TechAPhi · #8 10-17-2001, 04:39 PM

My Mom. Definitely my Mom.

Jen

Tom Earp · #9 10-17-2001, 04:51 PM

Well this may sound trite, but i am influenced by everyone I meet and talk to

Easily swaged I guess

i had a tuff family life but what the hell i ended up loving my fater and mother with all of my heart and Miss Cortwright my 4 th grade teacher who started being first in line to beat my butt (4) more were in line

I was not a BAD BOY, I was Mischevous as HELL!!!!!!!!!

" Cogito Ergo Sum "

IowaHawkeye · #10 10-17-2001, 07:12 PM

Definitly my mom!
She is one of the most amazing women I have ever come encounter with! she grew up in a large family, 7 brothers and sisters. Her father, a Chicago Police Officer, was killed in the line of duty. Her mom (my grandma who is also incredible!!) had to support and raise all of them on her own. My mom put herself through college for her bachelor's degree. It took her almost 6 years to do that b/c sh also had to work to pay for it. She then put herself through med school and eventually earned her doctorate. She works at clinic for poor/abused women and she makes such a difference in their lives. She is such a strong role-model for my sisters and I b/c she did all of that so that we would have a better life than she did. Everyday she reminds us to tell the people we care about that we love them b/c the next day they might be gone.

KSig RC · #11 10-17-2001, 10:07 PM

My father - he and I are basically identical in so many ways, and really I respect his opinion more than anyone's. Definitely his lessons have helped make me who I am today.

Our chapter father - he exemplifies the morals we try to live by. Honestly, he loves every kid in the chapter, regardless . . . unconditionally. It's great, and he's an amazing man. He's had some bad times, but brings good things to every one of us.

Some of my brothers - no need to list those with the most impact, but there's been many times when I've relied on certain guys and they've always been up to it.

My buddies back home - friends are as family to me, and these guys have been just that (similar to the fraternity brothers), and partially make me who I am.

lifesaver · #12 10-18-2001, 02:16 AM

Question, whats a Chapter Father? Is it an advisor? Oldest member? What. I am curious. KSig Kid also made reference to it. Must be a Kappa Sig thing, but I am interested to find out if you dont mind/can share it.

lifesaver

Dionysus · #13 07-20-2002, 01:33 PM

My mom
My closest cousin
My best friends
My worst enemies
My maternal grandmother
My 8th grade teacher

queequek · #14 07-20-2002, 08:46 PM

My fraternity brothers (especially my Pledge Class). They helped me through the American culture, and made me what I am today.

justamom · #15 07-21-2002, 08:07 AM

I realy like this thread, I hope everyone responds. It's a "feel good" topic and we need more of them.