A Tribute to My Dad: The Man Who Shaped My Work and Soul

My dad was a dreamer and a doer—a man who arrived in this country with nothing but a fierce desire to see his family succeed. A hard worker with unshakeable ethics, he lived justly in all he did, whether as a boxer, a bellboy, or teaching himself English while we were in Turkey. His mottos, "Always shoot for the stars, but if you only get to the moon, that's okay," and "Don’t expect the world to have the same ethics and fortitude as you," became the foundation of my own professional journey. I am who I am because of him—not by genetics alone, but through the values of hard work, professionalism, and integrity he instilled in me. He was truly an amazing man, and his legacy continues to guide me every day.

A Heavenly Birthday for Dad: A Humorous Ode