3 people

Gregg Brichan. My first person is someone that has impacted my life almost every day. My father has been there for me for all of my life. He has been a mentor, a teacher, a friend, a consultant, and my father. He grew up the youngest of four in the small town of Owosso Michigan. I remember him telling me stories of his childhood. Stories of things he did that shaped who he is today and stories of people he knew. People say that you get things from your parents, certain attributes you possess came from one particular parent or the other. Whether this idea of nature versus nurture is up to professionals. Anyhow, Of course, people first see that I definitely received my height from my six foot eight inches, father than my five foot four mother. On the other hand, I do know that I probably got my sense of humor from my dad. Around our family, we enjoy passing the time with the retelling of hilarious stories. It's something we do to laugh at the world. 

Before, I said that he is my mentor, consultant, and teacher. That is true in most senses. My Dad was a flight instructor for many years before being forced to retire, due to height restrictions. He then became a stay at home dad to take care of three young boys while my mom was teaching math to thirteen-year-olds. My father may not be extremely worldly, not understanding some references to movies and books that I've read but, he is a very smart person. He can put his knowledge of what he has learned and applies it to the world, to me that is real intelligence. As a child, he taught my brothers and me, to think to be good people. Even now when I have moved out to college I still am able to call or message him, if I have questions or want to share something.

Jason Beldyga. Mr. Beldyga, my second person, is also a mentor in my life and many others. He is a teacher and a coach, at the high school I graduated from in Corunna, Michigan. Mr. Beldyga had been my track coach for all four years of high school. I remember many practices and track meets in so many different conditions. It is slightly amusing how the team would mope and moan when we were doing sprints out in 30-degree weather, but when it came to a meet and it was 40 degree it didn't feel so bad. The Corunna team wasn't huddled up in the cold like the other teams. Coach Beldyga gave us all a mindset for track & field. A mindset that said that we can run in anything we were ready for it. What I mean is that Coach Beldyga has helped not only me but other men and women on the track team to be ready for anything and be ready to fight through it.

Not only is Mr. Beldyga a coach to many but he is also a teacher. He is an excellent teacher that connects with students and makes a lasting impression. He has certainly had left an impression on me and many other students. Mr. Beldyga made it a joy in his classroom, by connecting with us but still keeping a professional demeanor as a teacher. And yet he was friendly and kind and treated students as adults. His attitude made me feel that I had to strive to work hard not just for a good grade but also to be a good person. He has been a great influence on my life as well as many others as a coach and a teacher.

Robin Williams. As my third and last person, I didn't know Robin personally, nor have I ever met him in person. And yet he has been an influence on my life none less. I remember him mostly from his movies. When I was younger I would watch his personality in Hook, Aladdin Jumanji, Flubber, and Mrs. Doubtfire. As I grew up I watched him in Good Will Hunting, Good Morning Vietnam, Birdcage, and Patch Adams. I remember laughing at his funny characters and his quirky attitude. But when I found out about his depression after he committed suicide, I was taken aback. Like everyone, I had believed that such a distinguished actor and comedian, who seemed very happy and happy making those around him happy was very depressed deep down inside. 

Mr. Williams was quoted saying, "I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it feels like to be absolutely worthless and they don't want anyone else to feel like that." Even though Robin had a history of drug and alcohol abuse, he is still a hero to me. I may not have the level of depression he had or the different problems but, from him I learned to try and make those around me happy. Sure I couldn't tell you every single detail about Robin Williams, I wouldn't be able to site every quote of his but, I am a fan. He has been a part of my life since I was a child. Obviously I am not the only person who he has influenced with his work and career. And many people around the world were deeply saddened by the sudden news of his death.