Beads of sweat rolled down on my face and my knees shook as I tried to balance on my board. He let go and pushed me forward, I rolled 10 feet before falling flat on my butt. He walked over, his figure towering over me and blocking the sun. He extended his hand and helped me up. This is my dad. He would always help me up when I fell, dust me off, and encourage me to try again. 

I’m writing this article as a tribute to him and immortalizing him on the internet for when he passes–god forbid it isn’t soon. There are other men out there who don’t give their kids the time of day, I’m glad he tries, I’m glad he spends time with us, and I’m glad he is who he is. I look up to my dad.

Hugo Parientes came into this world on November 21, 1989. He grew up in Huaral, Peru experiencing a lively childhood. Shaping him into the disciplined man he is today. He left his hometown at age 16, traveling across the country and ending up in a college in Mexico. Eventually, in the ‘90s, he moved to New Jersey, starting as a construction worker. In 2006, he met my mother in a random restaurant and a few years later I was born.

A decade later, I ended up with a brother and four sisters. My dad is now a contractor who works in interior design and is very skilled at his craft. He hasn’t left his hometown behind and is now funding an archeological site in Huaral, to uncover its history, and has opened up a museum for the public.

 I could say so much more about this amazing man, these are the reasons he makes a great role model for me. He believes in the existence of the human soul and actively teaches us to nurture our body, mind, and soul. I’ve never seen my dad with genuine anger and he has taught us to never hold a grudge. He works hard to provide for two households, while still managing to make time with his six kids. I told you about my role model and how important he is to me now go find a role model for yourself.