Wayne McKibbin

Wayne McKibbin's self portrait (He hand painted this abstract portrait himself!)

My personal career hero is my grandfather, Wayne McKibbin. I chose him for my hero, because he was an amazing man. He was incredibly talented in art, music, and writing. He had a remarkable ability to see the greatness in everyone. My grandfather achieved so many things in life because he never gave up on his dreams. His motto in life was, no matter how hard times got, to always "keep on keeping on," and that is exactly what he did.

My grandfather, or as I like to call him, Papa, had a very unique way to do a little of everything he loved. His first passion in life, being music, required a lot of practice. Although I believe he was born with the gift of music, he spent a lot of time each day practicing to perfect his skill. As with any type of career in the music industry, you have the potential for great success and to make a lot of money. This job market, however, is very aggressive and difficult to succeed in. His second passion in life was his faith. After college, he went through four years of schooling at the Theological Seminary in Marin County. He became a minister for a Presbyterian church in San Juan Capistrano, where he taught the Christian faith. Later, he took his teachings of Christianity to Susanville Prison, where he was a Chaplin. As Chaplin, he implemented music and a program he created, called, "Freedom from Addiction." In this setting, he was able to bring together faith, music, and recovery from drugs and alcohol to the inmates of the prison.

Wayne McKibbin playing guitar with his band

My Papa was always very passionate about music, faith, and having compassion for others. In school, he was involved in music classes. He created his own band, where he later performed at events such as dances, within the school. My grandfather is a perfect example of what can be accomplished if you follow your dreams. He always pushed himself to the fullest and was always very satisfied with the results in the end. He followed his dreams, and got to live the future he once dreamed of living in the past.

My grandfather contributed to society in a lot of ways. He brought music to his fans, a recovery program to the sick and addicted, and spirituality to the believers. He helped a lot of people get back on their feet and get their lives going in new directions. He was a counselor, a source of comfort, a teacher, a mentor, a positive example, and a person to look up to. He was very passionate and wise, and he knew how to make just about anyone smile, when happiness was needed the most.

I selected my grandfather as my personal career hero because he is the one person in my life that truly inspired me the most. He and I had a lot of the same interests, and I hope that I will have the opportunity to change the lives of the people around me, like he did the people around him. Throughout high school and college, I can follow my dreams, keep moving forward, and hope for the best. I will find a career in which I have the opportunity to help others, and make some sort of a difference. I hope to someday be the person that people can call their heroes, just as I have the privilege to call Wayne McKibbin, my grandfather and my hero.