John Coull

Who is a hero to you? A hero might be a family member or someone famous. My hero is John Coull, my father. He was born on November 12, 1959 in South Africa. My dad moved here about 10½ years ago.

My dad moved here to give me a better life and because America is the world leader in computers and technology. He said, “I couldn’t see a good future for my family in South Africa.” He gave up his job in South Africa and came here for a couple of months to find a job. Then my dad went back to South Africa and helped my mom pack up our belongings, and we moved to America. We moved to America in February, 1994.

When my parents and I lived in South Africa, my dad designed websites for other companies. He made websites for candy stores, clothes shops, businesses, and other companies. My dad worked for a company in New York City for a couple of years. After that he started his own business called “Jade Software.” My dad still designs websites today.

When my dad worked for a company here, he won many awards for best employee, and completed the most websites. To me, awards don’t mean anything, but the person’s attitude and traits mean a lot to me. My dad always says that in order to excel at a job you have to be reliable and kind, but my dad is reliable and kind everyday. In the fall, my dad rakes the leaves for the elderly woman across the street. Also, in the winter my dad shovels driveways for the elderly women and the people who have gone away on vacation.

My dad is important to me because he is caring and thoughtful. He always teaches me to try and try again. One time, I couldn’t do a flip on the trampoline. Finally, after I tried it many times with his encouragement, I did it. That is why my dad is important to me.