(Teen Advisor Priyanka and her dad)

My first fan
Priyanka Jain

My dad was my first fan, always telling me I had the unique ability to do something different. He supported me in everything I wanted to do and paved my path to success lined with morals and integrity.

I now realize the high expectations I’ve held for him my whole life. I wanted him to come to every event, listen to me whenever I had problems, and help me with my homework — all while being a wildly successful and well-respected entrepreneur. I always took for granted the fact that he somehow exceeded all of my expectations in every way possible.

But today, I want to say thank you. Thank you, dad, for everything you’ve done for me and continue to do.

My dad talked me through hosting my first fundraiser, building a non-profit, and persevering through times when things didn’t seem to go my way.

He taught me the importance of failure — a lesson more valuable than anything I’ve ever learned in school.

Though his parents never went to college, he taught me the importance of education. Though he barely had enough to get by when he was growing up, he showed me the value in giving back when I was just a kid.

He's been more than just my dad; he's been my friend, mentor, and role model. I can’t even imagine where I would be today without all of his help and support. Since I was just a toddler, he reminded me that “I have a voice that speaks, ideas to stand on, and a world to step up to.”

Now, as a proud Girl Up Teen Advisor, I hope to instill these values in girls all around the world. So thank you, dad, and Happy Father’s Day!

A shoulder to lean on
Emily Harwell

My dad has given me so much wisdom and has helped me more than he will ever know. From a very early age, dad has taught me to be true to myself and to stand up for what I believe in, even when it is unpopular.

Because of him, I have learned to embrace what makes me unique and not to hide the things that I love to do, like reading newspapers and following sports teams.

He has supported me throughout all of my struggles with peer pressure and the process of discovering who I really am.

Over and over again, he has told me that I am special and that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

I know that whenever I need a shoulder to lean on, my dad will be there for me.

For this, I am truly grateful.

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