I do not hesitate to answer “who is the most inspirational person in your life” because right away my step dad Jorge comes to mind, even though at the beginning of our encounter we were anything but friends, he was the one that raised me through my toughest years, and has shaped me into the person I am today.

Thinking back to the very first time I met my step dad, the memory is faint but the emotions are as vivid as the first time I experienced them. I remember feeling so much hate towards him thinking how dare he try and replace my dad and those sleepless nights just thinking of ways to get rid of him are nights that I will never forget. Regardless of his kindness toward me, my 7 year old mind could not accept the fact that a complete stranger would soon be a part of the family I had gotten used to. As I began to grow up I learned to be understanding and gave him a chance.

Not a day passes by that I do not thank my stepdad for being so hard on me when I was at my worst stage, the age of 14. As any other 14 year old the last thing I wanted to do was listen to my lame parents and their unnecessary rules; or so I thought they were unnecessary. Little did I know those morals and rules were what was keeping me from turning out like some of my rebellious peers. I had many friends doing drugs and other activities that were new to me, although they were my friends and I looked up to them in a way, but my step dads voice was so present in my head when I was put in any situation where I had to make a decision.

I believe I am the person I am today because of my step dad and his effort to raise me as a well-rounded young woman. My morals and values consist of lessons he taught me and enforced on me at such a young age. I thank him for treating me as one of his own and not accepting anything less than the best from me. I strive to one day be his inspiration as he has been to me for so long.

My stepdad has played such an important role in my life, at times he has been my teacher, my enemy, my cheerleader, my best friend, and my greatest inspiration.