Who is your mentor?

   So I was posed this question tonight by Bismarck City Commissioner Mike Seminary, "Who is your mentor?"  Not thinking this was a difficult question a lot of names went through my head.  In the end all I did was sit there and give him a blank stare.  I have been thinking about this question ever since the short conversation ended.  I never thought this was a difficult question to answer.  So here is what I have been thinking about since.

Possible Mentors

Disclaimer: the following list is political views aside.  I base people on their entire personality not just how they view certain topics or agendas.

Glenn Beck - What I like about Glenn Beck is he is not afraid to say it like it is.  However, at times he can go way overboard.  But he is not afraid to stick his neck out for things he believes in.

Ed Schultz - Here is a man who came from the upper midwest and made it to the top of the media industry.  I mean this as making it to the number one market with a cable talk show.  He too is not afraid to stick his neck out on controversial issues.  However, he too goes way to far to one side at times.

Shephard Smith - He has a an intersting way of presenting the news.  However, at times his little comments can get a little much.

David Gregory and Chris Wallace - These are two people I watch weekly.  They know so much about the issues and have some of the toughest and best questions.  although, sometimes you can see how they stand on an issue.

John F. Kennedy - He fought for what he believed in and ended up dying doing what he loved..serving the people of this country.  I have been to Arlington National Cemetary twice and the one regret I have is not being able to stop and see his grave.  I think that would be an incrediblly emotional moment for me.  The one issue I have with him is the unfaithfulness he had for his wife.  That is one thing I cannot stand for is people having affairs.

Abraham Lincoln - I have been doing some research about "Honest Abe."  When I have been to the Lincoln Memorial it almost brings tears to my eyes to think about where he came from to become one of the best presidents ever.  His father always told him to stop wasting his time when he was reading books growing up.  He kept doing what he loved and look where it got him.  He too died doing what he loved. 

Ronald Reagan - I have such an appreciation for this man.  He stood up for this country when we needed it most.  "Mr. Gorbachav Take Down This Wall."  "Government is not the solution to our problems.  Government is the problem."  It is my personal opinion that he made this country better.  Granted when he was president I was a little boy in diapers.  But that is why they write books.

Boyd Huppert - Most likely one of the best reporters in the upper midwest if not the country.  I have met him once and had the chance to speak with him personally.  He is a reporter for KARE-11 in Minneapolis.  By far one of the best writers and reporters I have ever met.

Jackie Robinson - What is there I can say.  Here is a guy that basically was told he could not play with the so called best players in the world.  When he came into the league he took it by storm.  He was a great baseball player.  Breaking the color barrier to me is not the main issue he is on the list.  Its how he handled himself while taking his career to a new level.  Stories of him being spit on while standing on the base or playing his position make me sick. 

Parents - while they are my parents and I love them for everything they have done for me to get me to this point in my life...they are my parents.  I guess I wouldn'e expect much less that what why have done.  But then again, I have heard story after story where some kid wishes he had parents like mine.

   There are probably so many more people that can be on this list.  But after a lot of thought I think I have the answer.  Here it is:

My Grandpa, Adam Klug
   You know it only makes sense now that I think of it.  My grandpa is a guy who believed in my goals of becoming a reporter.  I know!! You hear it all the time from a reporter.  "I knew I wanted to work in television from the time I was a young kid."  How many profiles on television stations websites can you see this exact statement from a reporter.  I have worked in the media field for seven years and believe me I have worked with people who had no desire to do the work.  They just wanted to be on tv for the "world" to see them.  The harsh reality is they only last a few months in the business. 

   My grandpa always knew I would achieve the goals I set for myself.  My grandpa worked at TMI in Dickinson.  He would have some spare wood sitting in his garage.  I remember one time telling him how someday he would see me on tv.  I said I liked David Letterman.  Now, this is when he was just kind of starting out in the television industry.  My grandpa said well lets make you a desk.  I thought he was joking until he went into his garage and took out some pieces of wood.  We made a desk and I would put on my own shows in his backyard.  He kept that desk for a while.  These are things someone just doesnt forget.  The sad thing is he never got the chance to see me live out my dreams.  He died when I was a senior in High School.  I think I can honestly say that it was my grandpa and his passion for my dreams that kept me in college.  Even when I was considering dropping out after my first month because I was home sick.  I never quit.  Today, I think about my grandpa and those little shows I would put on in his backyard many times.  a few years ago I was at my great grandmas funeral.  We were close to my grandpa and grandmas final resting spot.  As things wrapped up one of the people at the funeral came to me and said "I enjoy watching you on television.  Your grandpa would be so proud." It was at that point that I remembered he never got a chance to see me live out my dream.  So I walked over to my grandpa's grave with some other family members.  I remember telling him one thing as I was about to walk away.  "Grandpa, I made it!  I know you are looking down with pride knowing you gave me my first job."  It may have been a small fake show in the backyard but its a memory that I will never forget.  Thanks Grandpa!! Miss You!!