Kevin Hagen

"Sure I've made mistakes, but I will never return to them because I know it will never work out."

My first teacher is my dad, Kevin Hagen. He is forty years old was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida for most of his life. He is very intelligent and worked extremely hard during his school years. His hard work in middle school and high school payed off when he graduated and earned the West Florida Senior Scholar-Athlete Award. He went to the University of West Florida for two years and then moved to University of Florida for two years. He realized that being home was important to him and went back to UWF for his remaining education.  He is now an architect/contractor and runs his own business. Family is very important to him, and he has provided multiple lessons for not only my life, but my brother's, sister's, mother's, and even for his own life.  Being around him has made me look more like him in my actions and personality.  I think things through more carefully the older I get and am always open to new ideas.  He has taught me to be open to new things and take everything one step at a time.  I couldn't thank him enough for all he has provided me.

Interview:

Me: "Today I am going to be asking you a few simple questions about your wisdom."

Me: "When you were growing up, what was one lesson you remember learning from your parents or life in general?"

Kevin: "I always wondered why people kept making the same mistakes over and over again without ever trying to change anything.  It never made sense to me. As I grew up, every time something didn't go my way, I always remembered for the next time something similar happened. As soon as I knew what went wrong the first time, I made sure to avoid it. Sure I've made mistakes, but I will never return to them because I know it will never work out."

Me: "I noticed that is one of the lessons you have taught me today. What are some other life lessons that you have tried to teach the family over the years?"

Kevin: "I want you to understand that you have to take life one step at a time, never live in the past or in the future. Look to the past for help and look to the future for encouragement. Also, take an optimistic approach on life. Never shut new ideas down and always look the bright side."

Me: "That is all for today, thank you."

(My dad and I being our crazy selves.)