When I was younger my dad was PTA president. He was so extremely involved in both my studies and after school activities. He chaperoned all my field trips and attended each and every one of my track and field meets and even my dance recitals. I could always count on looking into the crowd and being able to see his face.

But it went beyond that – see my dad created a special bond with every person he came across with. He joked with the coaches and teased my dance teachers and around the class everyone knew him as the cool dad. He knew every show the kids liked and sang every song (sometimes making up crazy lyrics and EVERYONE would follow). He knew all of my friend’s names and as I got older he made it his personal mission to make sure I knew who my friends were and make it known to me that I was loved around the world.  Even after I moved from El Salvador to the US, he made me keep in touch and though I was gone, he remained involved. He would tell me these people would be my friends forever and though sometimes I acted like I didn’t care I now know he’s right.

This summer, as I made my rounds through Europe, it’s those people – the ones who my dad pushed me to cultivate my relationships with – who were there. Offering their time and their beds to ensure I had the time of my life.

Along my travels, the one person they all spoke about was my dad. His efforts to get to know everyone and make real connections, lasting connections, taught me to how to do it as well . Seeing all those people halfway across the world knowing together we have had 15+ years of memories felt beyond amazing.

Now, my work has taken me to DC – at a time I consider one of the best times of the year – and I am trying to enjoy every second spent with everyone I encounter. I have had the pleasure of seeing some familiar faces while also meeting new people. It is my goal to make every moment count with whomever I spend my time with

As I drank my morning Yogi tea – something I do religiously – I came across my quote of the day. “Your greatness is measured by your gifts, not by what you have.”

What my dad has taught me is one of the greatest gifts I could ever have. It is this way that I hope to keep building my relationships with people, knowing even the smallest of meetings can  make a world of a difference.