The first role model that springs to mind is my father. Since I was a child, he was the person I looked up to, and wanted to be most like. He was a sensitive man, caring, and determined to do right in the world. And while having him choose to die with my mother made me incredibly sad, I respected his choice. We were a close family and I always felt loved. He loved my mother, and knowing he would die in any case, he wanted to be with her. He was my father, and is definitely a major role model in my life.

The second role model is Jeremiah. Since he and Kurdy arrived in Thunder Mountain, he has forced me to confront my own fears and insecurities as leader. He has challenged my decisions, and ignored policy, and each and every time I learn something new about myself from the choices he has made. Jeremiah is passionate and committed, and willing to take risks and make sacrifices, if it makes the world a better and more just place. From him, I have learned about myself, the world outside, and different ways of thinking about social issues. We do not always see eye-to-eye, but he is a man I truly respect.