Growing up, I was immersed in the world of cars and construction. When I was 10 years old, my dad would drop me off at construction sites and tell me to "Clean up." Although I often completed the task too quickly and felt bored, it exposed me to various trades like plumbing and electrical work, which sparked my interest in construction.

After high school, I initially pursued a business major at Texas Tech University. However, a confrontation with a professor over my choice of attire led me to reconsider my path. Inspired by my father's advice to "make something" for myself, I decided to forge my own way, drawing on the hands-on experience I had gained in the construction industry from a young age.

Growing up, I was immersed in the world of cars and construction. From a young age, my father would drop me off at construction sites and have me clean up, which I often did too quickly out of boredom. However, this experience allowed me to learn from the various tradespeople on-site, such as plumbers and electricians, and develop an interest in the construction industry.

When I went to college, I initially pursued a business major, but I found myself at odds with a professor who criticized my choice of clothing. This experience reinforced my father's message that I needed to make something for myself, as no one was going to hand it to me. Determined to forge my own path, I sold my first car to my second-grade teacher, demonstrating my entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

Growing up, the speaker was immersed in the world of cars and construction. From a young age, their father would drop them off at construction sites and have them clean up, instilling the importance of hard work and self-reliance. This early exposure to various trades, such as plumbing and electrical work, sparked the speaker's interest in the construction industry.

Despite initially pursuing a business degree in college, the speaker's independent spirit led them to leave that path behind. The experience of clashing with a professor over their choice of attire further reinforced the speaker's belief in the value of self-determination.

The speaker's father's constant emphasis on making something for oneself, rather than relying on others, has been a guiding principle throughout their life. This mindset is exemplified by the speaker's story of selling their first car to their second-grade teacher, demonstrating an entrepreneurial drive from a young age.

Growing up in the construction industry and being pushed by my father to make something of myself has shaped my entrepreneurial mindset. From an early age, I learned the value of hard work and self-reliance, which led me to sell my first car to my second-grade teacher. This experience instilled in me the belief that no one will simply hand you success - you have to go out and create it for yourself. Even when faced with challenges, such as the confrontation with my college professor, I have remained determined to forge my own path and make something of myself. This resilience and drive have been the foundation of my success, and I will continue to apply these lessons as I navigate the next chapter of my life.