Name: Andrew Smith | City: Norfolk, VA | IG: @Benny_jets

What does being a father mean to you?

Everything. It’s been almost eight weeks and this is the greatest experience of my life! Nothing else matters when I’m with that little girl and I’ll do anything for her!

Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

My father molded me into a man! He was all about discipline! My father pushed me to be excellent in all things, to listen to all sides before speaking, and to be patient! He let me make mistakes and corrected them through teaching!

What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?

I’m only eight weeks in but I want to make sure I’m supportive just like my parents! My household was full of love and I want to make sure my daughter experiences the same! I don’t ever want her to have to look outside of our home to feel loved!

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Be present and be patient with yourself. There aren’t any rules to this! We make this up as we go!

If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?

Dear Father,

Thank you for making me a man. Thank you for giving me enough freedom to figure it out and being there to give guidance when I was lost. Thank you for being an example to follow and showing how a man is supposed to work hard and provide!

Name some other fathers you cosign.