Greg Donnelly

My hero is my Father, Greg Donnelly. He is a Fire Battalion Chief for San Diego City Fire Department. My Dad grew up in Sweetwater, Texas on a pig farm and from humble beginnings he has shown me the amazing example of what a man should be. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego and did his Reserves at The Coronado Amphib Base used for the The Navy SEALs. He met my Mother in the Navy and they got married very young at age 20 and are still together today. My Dad has always shown up for me, which is a huge thing for me personally. He has been an advocate in my hardest times, a trusted person I go to for advice, and he has been at every soccer game, track meet, graduation and all the little times I needed help around my house, he's the one who helped. My Dad has encouraged a sense of independence and integrity in me from a young age & gave me a strong moral compass on how to navigate life's challenges. He has taught me to treat others well & if people mistreat me, to set a boundary nicely and let them go like the dust off my sandals. He has taught me forgiveness is key, but we don't have to forget. My Dad is a very Catholic and faithful man that is devoted to his family which is what I have always looked up to. He has a great sense of humor that makes even the toughest situations easier. My Dad has taught me so many valuable lessons, but the most important one is to be proud of myself and take care of myself and that my relationship with myself and God is the most important relationship I will have.