Emily Smith
TCA SCHOLARSHIP
$2,725
Art Pape Transfer
Dubuque, Iowa
My father has been a truck driver for over 25 years. His career has impacted me in many ways throughout my life. My father has always been passionate about his job and about sharing it, evident from my childhood as I received toy semi trucks to drive around the living room as well as a swingset in the backyard complete with a cab, steering wheel, and trailer. His job also influenced me as I grew into a teenager. As a four-time finalist for Owner-Operator of the Year with over three million accident-free miles, it fell to him to teach me how to drive. None of my friends had professionals helping them prepare for their permit test.
For as long as I can remember, my dad has only been home on weekends. Even through this, however, he has mastered the ability to remain present. When home, he instructs martial arts classes, leads worship at our church, and attends various sporting events that my sisters and I participate in. When gone, his jokes and stories are only a phone call away.
His work has also helped specifically in the last year of my life. I’ve been attending college approximately five hours away from home, and it’s been such a blessing that he’s willing and able to drive the distance (and haul everything I deemed necessary for college life). Along with the transportation aspect, driving a truck has allowed him to save for my education and given me the opportunity to apply for scholarships like this one.
From the very beginning, the trucking industry has influenced my family life through its prevalence in my father’s. The things he’s taught me because of it are invaluable.