Wonolo
Father’s Day is right around the corner…and it got us to thinking. Our fathers have taught us so much, from the tangible skills of how to ride a bike to the general shaping of our lifelong values.
In honor of all the wonderful knowledge they’ve passed on to us, we asked three of our team members to share their thoughts about the greatest lesson that their dads each taught them and how they shaped the people that they are today. Read on to learn about three amazing fathers and their sage, impactful lessons.
Eunnice L.
My father is easily the most genuine and humble person I know. He listens, empathizes, and when he finally contributes to the conversation, his words are extraordinary. Despite being a doctor and a former petroleum engineer, my father never insists he is correct; I cannot recall a time he ever even neared being judgmental. He is extremely spiritual and philosophical; he only sees positivity in life, wearing the rose-colored glasses that I long to view the world through.
Growing up poor in Korea, he moved here in his 20s to study without knowing any English. If I manage to be the half the rational, resilient, and unconditionally loving person that he is, I would consider myself the luckiest girl in the world.
Mike C.
My dad taught me a lot of things, but here are some that stand out:
- Never kick a soccer ball using your toe.
- When you are using a screwdriver, don’t forget “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”
- Food that falls on the ground is perfectly fine to eat. (That said, not sure if I agree with this…)
- You shouldn’t kill animals for fun or without a reason.
- Never leave the game early (and I mean, never).
- Make sure you always have a sharp knife when in the kitchen.
- Winning isn’t everything.
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Family comes first.
- Honesty matters.
- Never stop learning.
- Have compassion.
- Service above self.
- …And the classic adage, “Life isn’t fair.”
I find myself saying these same things to my kids all the time, and it makes me happy that his wisdom is passing through to future generations.
My dad is a huge soccer fan. (In fact, his license plate says, “GOALLL.”) This pic is from a San Jose Earthquakes game last year at Levi’s Stadium.
Sam V.
I think the greatest lesson my dad ever taught me was more of a self-belief type of thing. I was a bit of a rascal as a kid, but moving in with my dad instilled a sense of hard work in me. He worked so hard right out of school when he was just 16 – he moved boxes to save up to buy his first car. I had similarly had to work hard for everything I had. He pushed me to do things no one had ever done. I’m the first in my family to go to university. He supported me the whole way through even when it was tough.
Going back to the self-belief idea, my dad put me on the right path and really helped shape who I am today. I know he hates that we live on the other side of the world from each other, but he’s super proud and supportive, and he always let me make my own decisions. Even though we have completely different careers…and he’s in a village, and I’m in a big city, we’re still super close. We talk nearly every day, and it’s great. We have a shared love for photography, and he’s one of my best friends. He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to massively.
From the age 15 upwards, my dad instilled these beliefs in me that I hope to pass on to my own kids.
To all the dads out there, thank you for the many lessons that you’ve taught us – here’s to a happy Father’s Day!
