Growing up with four younger siblings was always somewhat chaotic. Maybe that taught me to go with the flow or maybe it taught me to invest in soundproof headphones. Regardless, I would not change it for the world. Amid the noise and constant activity, I learned how to be adaptable, patient, and creative. These skills have shaped the way I approach challenges in every part of life. I also learned the value of leadership in small, everyday moments. Whether I was helping my siblings with homework, mediating their disagreements, or organizing makeshift performances in our living room, I was always in the middle of the action. As chaotic as it sometimes felt, those experiences became the foundation of my independence and resourcefulness.

Both my parents have been great role models throughout my life. From supporting me in my own personal entrepreneurship endeavors and cheering me on academically, they have always supported my ideas and passions. I knew from a young age that I could dream big because I had a family that believed in me. While both my parents shaped my values, it was my dad who has had the most profound influence on my aspirations. For as long as I can remember, my dad has worked from home, with the occasional traveling to meet clients. As a kid, I would come home from school, drop my backpack, and run to peek into his office so excited to wave hello. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what he did, but I knew he was working on something important, something complex, and something he cared deeply about.

Although he worked in software, he didn’t always run his own business. For years, he worked for a large tech company, moving up the ladder and gaining experience. He was successful by every traditional measure, but I could tell he had a desire to create something of his own. After nearly a decade with the company, he made the bold decision to put in his two weeks notice and step away from stability to pursue his dream of his own software startup.

His journey to start his own company began after years of experience, problem-solving skills, and the final push to create something of his own. Starting his own company was something he was passionate about and had been dreaming of doing for years. It was finally time for him to make that jump and build the company from the ground up.

The transition was not easy. I remember sensing the tension in the house during that time, not because we lacked support for his decision, but because we were all aware of the risks. He has taught me so much over the years, and this risk was another learning lesson. Financially, it was a leap. Emotionally, it was a test of resilience. He went from a stable income and clear structure to a world of uncertainty, long nights, and the pressure of building something from the ground up. But my dad never let fear take over. He leaned into the challenge with determination, creativity, and a sense of purpose that I have never forgotten.

While my dad took this big leap, financially, and mentally to start his own startup, it was not without the support of our family. But even when things didn't go to plan, he kept showing up with positivity, adaptability, and the belief that failure is a part of the process. Watching him navigate that experience taught me more than any textbook or classroom ever could. I began to see entrepreneurship not just as a career path, but as a mindset. It was about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, staying curious in the face of uncertainty, and embracing risk as a necessary part of growth. Those lessons became deeply embedded in how I think, solve problems, and plan for my future. Watching him from the sidelines has made me have a new understanding and admiration for startups because they all had to start somewhere.

I am similar to my dad in a lot of ways, such as the creative mindset, innovation, and determination. All skills that entrepreneurs need to succeed. These qualities first showed up in small ways such as selling slime in middle school, designing t-shirts, or creating apps in computer science. I have always been drawn to the idea of making something of my own. Each of these experiences gave me a taste of what it feels like to build something from scratch, and something that was mine.

While I have not quite decided what I want to create, I know I want to pursue a path that lets me build, innovate, and solve real problems. Whether that means launching a business, working at a startup, or helping grow someone else's vision, I’m drawn to environments where ideas turn into action and creativity fuels progress. My dad’s journey showed me that success isn't just about having the perfect plan, it's about having the courage to start, the flexibility to adapt, and the persistence to keep going when it gets hard.

One of the most important lessons I have learned from him is that failure isn't something to be feared. It is part of the story. There were setbacks, mistakes, and moments of doubt. But each one of those challenges shaped the company, and him, into something stronger. That resilience is something I strive to embody in my own life. I now see failure not as the opposite of success, but as a stepping stone toward it.

Looking ahead, I want to build a life that reflects those same values: creativity, impact, and resilience. My dad has taught me so much and I love the idea of building something impactful. What impacted me most was watching him overcome obstacles with a positive attitude and knowing that failure is not a bad thing, but an opportunity to grow. I want to keep learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries when possible. The spirit of entrepreneurship lives in me, not just because of the businesses I’ve tried to build, but because of the mindset I’ve inherited and the lessons I’ve learned.

My story is still being written, and while I may not know what the final product will look like, I’m confident that I’ll create something meaningful. My dad took the first leap, and thanks to him, I’m ready to take my own.