One of the most inspirational people of my life is someone whose name you don't know. He's not someone famous, and his accomplishments won't ever appear in a history book. However, without him, I wouldn't be here, and he was a shining example to me in so many ways. This section wouldn't be complete without some comments about my beloved father, Arlan Schubert. From observing Daddy, I learned early in life to have a strong work ethic. He went to work everyday without complaining; actually, I think he did everything without complaining. He was always happy, with a big smile and laugh that would light the darkest room. You can thank him for my sense of humor. I now see the use of humor as a mission-critical element in my voice-over business. Everyone is under enough stress, so I want to use humor to help people feel at ease. He was a very modest person, never seeking praise or glory even when he deserved it. When I was in 5th grade (and I'm NOT going to say the year!), I won an essay contest to name a police helicopter. The prize was a long weekend trip to DisneyWorld for my family and me. At long last, it's time that Daddy had his share of the credit for helping me in that victory. Daddy is the one who came up with a brilliant idea for the name DeKalb Eagle and some fantastic research that aided me in writing a compelling essay. Even as I type these sentences, I can hear him protesting, not wishing to step into the spotlight. However, winning that contest proved to be a pivotal event in my life for another reason besides the trip or my brief flirtation with being minor local celebrity. (Okay, I confess -- I liked both the travel and being a celebrity!) Since I wrote the winning the essay to name the helicopter, I also was invited to a television station to be the talent for a public service announcement! I found myself immediately in love with all of the recording equipment at the station and entranced with how my voice sounded on the playback. I liked reading the script from the teleprompter, but I wasn't too thrilled with how my face looked on-camera. My calling to do voice-overs was born that day in the TV studio. Daddy and I shared a very special bond that only grew stronger as I got older. I could cite example after example of things that he did for me and ways that he helped me that have enabled me become the person that I am. He was generous and kind, and I want to be like him. He strongly valued education and made sure that I finished my Bachelors degree even when my former in-laws were pressuring me to quit school and take a second job. He was always so proud of my accomplishments, and he encouraged me in everything I did. When I saw myself through his eyes, I knew that I could do anything upon which I set my mind. Daddy truly was one of my biggest champions and best friends. Sadly, he has left this life, and I miss him every single day.