The Power of Influence
Young John asked his grandpa who had influenced him the most,
Who in his life, of all his accomplishments could boast.
His grandpa sat back and reflected on the past,
His childhood days that so short did last.
His mother helped him most, in his earliest days,
After her, his friends, found new influential ways.
As he thought back, he remembered those who taught,
And everyday with them, new knowledge was brought.
He discovered it was those he didn’t go to school to see
That influenced his life, changed who he would be.
He then wished for the opportunity to say ‘thank-you,’
And if he could, tell them, they did more than was needed to.
He has grown and matured as they hoped he would,
Lived by good morals as they knew he could.
He never got the chance, but now as I do,
I want to say I couldn’t have made it without you.
You’ve taught me more than I could hope to know,
You’ve encouraged and inspired me to grow.
I couldn’t thank you enough for all that you have done,
But know that nothing will be lost from all you’ve begun.
May you continue to influence others and help them to live,
With the same sort of passion you daily give.
Thanks for all your support and believing when I had doubt,
Thanks for showing me what true leadership is about.
May you be blessed and remember how much others can gain,
Through all your knowledge they too can obtain.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

June 10, 2005

A poem as I graduated High School, For all my teachers. Age 17