Throughout my life, my father and I have had a very professional relationship. As an entrepreneur and business owner, he insisted that my basic vocabulary consisted of words including: income, credit, loans, and interest. Even small, everyday gestures, like a phone call with my dad, ended with him telling me how he could defer the interest or how he needed to establish a new line of credit. These little conversations have helped me become more knowledgeable about money management, as well as more business savvy. These small acts also helped me develop my interests in life: business and leadership. The largest and most active chapter of Future Business Leaders of America in the state of Kansas is located at my high school. This prestigious title is the result of the hard work and determination of students, like me, to give back to my community. Since my sophomore year, I have held numerous leadership positions in this organization, such as local treasurer for one year, as well as president of the Wellsville FBLA, Kansas state treasurer, and assistant to the Mountain Plains regional vice president for two years. I have also held leadership roles in the National Honor Society, Kansas Association for Youth, Student Council, sports teams, and yearbook. Being elected to these positions has taught me how to handle responsibilities. I spent countless hours chairing committees, organizing events, contacting sponsorships, volunteering, and so much more. I have even been called a “workaholic” from time to time. Many people may believe that the hours I dedicate to this organization are a waste. I would support him to the grave. FBLA paved the way for my future. It helped me expand my love for business, public speaking, leadership, and community service… halfway… leaving a legacy. Whether it's smiling at strangers and making their day, or doing my best in any assignment, task, or project I work on, I want to be remembered as someone who achieved their ambitions. I understood that leaders are people who are passionate about pursuing their goals and willing to go the extra mile. Through my challenges, I became a diligent worker who pushed himself to succeed. I strive to achieve my goals in life and overcome my failures because I have learned from my mistakes. A few years ago, I asked my father what he thought I would be like as an adult. He simply replied that I would be a “workaholic”. Most people might be saddened to hear this; I was proud. It was the beginning of my definition of a leader. A future business leader. “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” ~Vincent "Vince" Lombardi~