Thanks, Dad: Quotes from young adults who learn and think differently

Looking for inspirational quotes about fathers from their children? These young adults learn and think differently, and are all from the Eye to Eye mentoring network. Hear what they have to say about their dads.

Jeremy Lustig

Thanks, Dad, for teaching me that sometimes you have to fight to reach your dreams. You taught me that not everything will be handed to me. But you always did it in a way that encouraged me. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be the soldier I am today, the husband I turned out to be, or the man that stands tall before a future full of opportunity.

—Jeremy Lustig, soldier in the U.S. Army who has ADHD and a learning disability

Jess Fang

Thanks, Dad, for being so understanding and patient with me, especially when I called home from college in frustration because I couldn’t focus. Thanks for the advice and support you gave me, and for inspiring me to keep pushing myself in and out of school. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without your love!

—Jess Fang, college student at Northwestern University who has ADHD

Emily Bosak

Thanks, Dad, for being the glue that kept things together for our family! During high school, while I was at tutoring and staying up late struggling through assignments with Mom, you kept things going. You always made sure there was a healthy dinner on the table. You made sure I had clean clothes for school and that I got out the door in the morning. Now that I’m in college, I can’t thank you enough for picking up the phone and helping me with my finance and accounting classes. I couldn’t have tackled school without you!

—Emily Bosak, college student at East Carolina University who has dyslexia

Christie Saccomanno

Thanks, Daddy, for always pushing me to be my best possible self — for coming to my soccer games, teaching me fractions, and helping me to understand what it means to be a good person. You taught me and now I get to be the teacher. You helped me and because of that I get to help others.

—Christie Saccomanno, graduate of California State University-Sacramento who has ADHD

Hayley Rodriguez

Thanks, Dad, for encouraging me to try new things. When you showed me how to work on cars, it helped me understand that I learn best through hands-on experience. I learn best by being walked through things, rather than reading from a book. Reading comprehension — that was my biggest challenge. When I have kids, I want to teach them like you taught me, and stand by their side just as you stood by me. Thanks for everything. I love you.

—Hayley Rodriguez, student at Western Wyoming Community College who has ADHD and struggles with reading

Matt Pashby

Thank you, Dad, for always supporting me. Thank you for working to give me the best life possible and for all the sacrifices you’ve made. One day I hope to be as great a father as you. I love you, Dad!

—Matt Pashby, student at Loyola University New Orleans who has a learning disability

Mariel Henkoff

Thanks, Dad, for helping me with my college applications. The four years I spent in college were some of the best and most formative of my life, but I was so intimidated by the writing and organization required to apply that I almost didn’t go. Through the application process, you guided and supported me. You taught me how to be a better writer. You showed me how to break large, complicated tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. The writing and organizational skills I learned from you helped me get into college, and then to succeed and find my way in the workplace!

—Mariel Henkoff, graduate of Northwestern University who has ADHD

Kory Ingersoll

Thanks, Dad, for helping me realize that it’s OK to use the resources around me for support in school and everyday life. Thank you for teaching me that, when it comes to having a successful life, having a hard time paying attention and remembering little insignificant things is the least of my worries. I can’t wait to grow up and be half the man you are.

—Kory Ingersoll, graduate of Utah State University who has ADHD and a learning disability