As girls, we tend to tune out our dads’ life lessons. But with experience and maturity, we come to a startling conclusion: Dad was right — about everything — and his simple words contained many profound truths.
Here, two grateful daughters reflect on the wisdom they inherited from their dads — and how it has formed the bedrock of the women they’ve become.
JEMINA MCCARTER BALLARD
THANKS TO MY DAD, I WALK IN STRENGTH
Jemina McCarter Ballard, a supervisor for the Human Resources Department at Keesler Air Force Base, is the daughter of Carlton G. McCarter, a veteran, retired U.S. Air Force Major and senior pastor of two churches.
Growing up with my dad’s involvement was instrumental in shaping my life for the better. His daily presence gave me an unmatched feeling of safety and reassurance. He has always been, and continues to be, my sanctuary. The unwavering support he provides has remained constant, and he is undoubtedly my biggest supporter.
As a young girl, I remember there was a time when my dad encouraged me not to cry and instead be strong. At the time, I didn’t understand why and how I was supposed to be strong in a situation that made me weak. But because of that very moment, I am now a woman who consistently walks in strength. As an adult, there has not been one situation where I’ve let weakness win.
I am very independent and courageous, and I look at challenges as opportunities because of my dad. He taught me to never give up, to always keep going and to see the best in everything that I seek to do. There aren’t many things I have been afraid to try, and instead, there is nothing I feel I cannot do.
My dad is the reason that if I had to, I could take care of myself and be independent. Wallowing in anything was not an option because seizing the opportunity was the only choice. His strength has been my inspiration, and I try to make him proud every day. My father and I have a regular morning telephone conversation that sets a positive tone for my day.
Although I leaned on him a lot as a child, I walk on my own two feet today because he taught me how to stand.
ALEXIS HIGGINS
DAD’S WISE WORDS BECAME MY INNER VOICE
Alexis Higgins is a content marketing coordinator at Memorial Health System and the founder of Her House, a storytelling platform centered on self-love, growth and Coast women’s experiences. Her dad, Kurt Higgins, spent 36 years at Keesler Air Force Base, retiring as chief of faculty development.
My dad always has been the kind of man whose words carried weight, even when I didn’t fully understand them at the time. Originally from the Mississippi Delta, he made his way to the Gulf Coast — where he built a life, career and family. Even outside of work, he was always giving back.
But if you ask him, his greatest title will always be “dad” — and he took that role seriously.
Growing up, my brother and I didn’t just get rules; we got lessons, the kind that would come up during car rides, before we walked out the door or right when we thought we had everything figured out.
At the time, I’ll admit, some of it felt repetitive. Now, I find myself hearing his words in my own thoughts: “Don’t put yourself in awkward situations, and awkward things won’t happen.”
Back then, it sounded like he was just being protective. Now I understand it differently. He was teaching me how to move with awareness, how to protect my peace and how to be intentional about the spaces I choose. It wasn’t about restriction; it was about wisdom.
He’d also say, “If you sacrifice a little in your 20s, your 30s will be great.” I used to roll my eyes at this one — like, “Sir, I’m trying to live.” But now, as I balance work, purpose and everything in between, I get it. He was planting the seed of realization that discipline creates freedom later. This perspective has saved me from many unnecessary setbacks.
Yet another one of his lessons has stayed with me: “You might not be the smartest in the room, but don’t ever let anyone outwork you.” It shows up in how I approach my career, my goals and even small, everyday responsibilities. My dad taught me that consistency, effort and commitment can be just as important as talent.
Looking back, I see it clearly now. My dad wasn’t just talking; he was preparing me. And somewhere along the way, his voice became my inner voice.