HORSEPOWER & HEELS

Taking a cue from social media superstar, Chris Brogan's latest blog post, I am celebrating what I am thankful for by answering the same question:

“Who had a big influence on you and how did that affect the direction of your life or career?“

There are so many people to whom I am deeply grateful for the part they played in my life. Some are more obvious, and some don't have a clue the influence they had over me.

• Mami & Papi: Of course, everyone thanks their parents, but to me, it means even more because they were my grandparents who took me in as their own. Papi taught me so much about pride in all you do, and hard work. His desire for perfection has rooted itself inside me, and made me strive for the same. Mami taught me independence, perseverance, and inner strenth. They both showed me that family is all important and that love is the strongest power of all.
  
• Dennis Lugo: I know that I probably say this a lot, but not in 1,000 years could I ever repay what Dennis has given me. He taught me so much about the sport that I love, he believed in me and he was patient with me while I learned. There were countless nights spent in the engine room explaining things that I did not understand. Most people do not share that info, and many wouldn't be bothered by someone who came in knowing so little. He always has believed in me, and what he has given to me is priceless.
• Debbie Denny: Debbie is my voice of reason. She shows me what impact my hard work has, even when it seems the end result is so far away. She has lived a very similar parallel in her life, so I always feel like she can relate well with what I am going through.
  
• Anonymous: There is a man up north, that though I have not spoken to in years, has had one of the most profound effects on my life and career. His ability to know what is inside of my head and how to motivate and encourage me is surreal. I have never encountered someone who believed in me so completely as he did, and who was able to make me believe in myself when I needed it the most. I can still hear his words in the back of my mind when I get nervous before a big race. Its as though there is a connection that exists without words or contact. He knows who he is.
  
• Mike Ashley: Besides being one of the best promod drivers I have ever seen behind the wheel, and a great Funny Car pilot, what most inspires me about Mike Ashley is his ability dream big and to achieve. From the way that he treats his crew, to the way he trains for success...both physically and mentally... Mike is one that has made himself into a great with hard work, positive energy, and perseverance.
  
• Chris Brogan: Recently, while on a self-education spree about internet marketing trends, I stumbled upon Chris' blog and starting learning about social media and Web 2.0. Coming from the traditional media background of working for a newspaper for 4 years, and knowing all of the shortcomings and the slow-dying pace, I completely embraced the user-generated content concept that is social media. Reading the practical uses that Chris teaches has allowed me in just a few months to meet so many inspiring and talented people I would never had access to before. Social media has broadened my horizons and allowed me to expand in record time, and I am excited to where it continues to lead me.
  

There are so many more to add to the list, but I want to make sure that my gratitude extends beyond the reach of one day in November.

Happy Thanksgiving! GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

Posted by Erica Ortiz on Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 10:05 AM | Permalink