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Joanna Stawarz, Mt. Prospect, IL
TCA Scholarship ($2,000)
Landstar Inway

My father’s career in the trucking industry has influenced my family life greatly. My father, Jaroslaw Padlo, has been working in the trucking industry since I was a young girl. He has been absent from home for weeks driving loads to states miles away. He absence has made my relationship with him stronger, as well the relationship between all of my family members. My older brother and I appreciate the time he spends with us and we do not take our time together for granted. When I was younger I would wait by the door waiting for him to come in that morning or that night. Knowing that he cannot always be there has made me more independent. I rely more on myself to get things done around the house and help my mom out with chores and other daily routines. Now that I am in college, and permanently live there throughout the week, I see my father less. When I come home on weekends he is not always there, so the times we share together is more special. We call each other often after we don’t see each other for a longer period of time. My father’s career in the trucking industry has taught me not to take people and time for granted. I love my dad and understand he has to be away for days, sometimes weeks, but I respect his work, and respect all others who work in the trucking industry. When I got my learners permit at 16 my dad was the only one brave enough to take me out an empty parking lot to teach me how to drive using his driving expertise. My father’s career has influenced my family positively and has taught me many valuable lessons that have made me who I am today.