My Uncle, the only son among 5 daughters, has had a significant influence on me.  I see him as a role model because at first he started off not going to college, and then went to a community college.  Eventually he realized that he was better than this, and he worked hard for many years getting his education, paying for it himself because his father had stopped paying for his education after being let down many times.  He did all of this work thanklessly and without recognition.  Now he is the CEO of a startup company in the Technology Industry for data storage in the cloud.  He has made over a million dollars and is by far the most successful member of my mother's family.  I am sure his father would be proud of him if he was alive today.  I speak with him frequently over the phone and he supports me and aids me in solving problems that I have.  I see myself in him and I've come to realize that he had many of the same experiences as I did in High School, along with making similar mistakes.  It's reassuring to have someone to discuss with when I'm not able or willing to argue with my parents about the issue at hand.  I look up to my Uncle and believe that I can learn from his experiences and gain valuable advice through talking and connecting with him.  I would be satisfied if I grow up to be even half as successful as him.