According to author Jackie Haugh, “Comparison is the tool by which we can measure success, love or failure.” In this period of transition, between high school and college, seniors begin to compare themselves to someone with whom they are commonly familiar. In most cases, a young man will elect to evaluate his accomplishments, failures, and personality in comparison to those of his father. Though I do admire and respect the powerful inspiration and compassion of my own father, the one I have recently chose to emulate is not he.

In truth, I strive to be like my dog.

Brock Tyree Palmer, the 75 lbs. Entlebucher Mountain Dog from Los Angeles, became the seventh member of the Palmer family in October of 2008. Many believe that it is impossible to achieve perfection. Brock is the perfect dog; a true canine gentleman. We received Brock after he nearly aced the “Search and Rescue Dog” test in Southern California. He passed every portion of the test except for one: the barking. He simply would not bark at anyone, which ironically is a virtue that makes him a perfect family dog. Brock comes when you tell him to, retreats to his bed when he is ordered to, formally shakes hands, and even answers to Spanish.

Nothing makes Brock happier than the opportunity to run free, and explore the world of play. He is relentless and unyielding; it is evident to anyone who throws his “kong”. I’m a lot like him. This similarity is apparent through my own relentlessness and persistence, especially on the gridiron. For years, my coaches have always told me that I continue to make plays on the field because of my high effort level. After blowing out both knees prior to my senior year, I treat every play like it is my last. I have realized that this addiction to perseverance has motivated me my entire life, but especially in the last four years. But, in comparison, the best quality of my dog is his discipline. He was trained to be obedient, and to be continuously respectful of what he is supposed to do. This is a kind of discipline that I frequently like to emulate, specifically with my faith. I attend Church every Sunday independently because I respect the communal unity the environment brings, and I find importance in contributing to it on Sundays. My discipline is also evident in my efforts to complete my Community Based Service Project. My commitment to contacting potential donors, organizing fundraisers, giving presentations and writing thank you notes is the sole reason I have raised more than $87,000 for two orphanages in the Dominican Republic.

While contemplating Brock’s perfection, I realized all the flaws that I hold. I realized/confirmed that Brock is entirely flawless, and therefore there is no way we can be similar on the topic of imperfection. This manifestation has actually been the most beneficial one. Brock will not give up the bone in his mouth until he is ordered to. In my life, I have found that I have the same tenacity and persistence in the subject of argument. Sometimes, my quarrelling will get so out of hand that I will win an argument simply because my opponent eventually will give into exhaustion. Even though I win the argument, I recognize I can ultimately lose in the end. As a human, it is really up to me to amend the things that make me imperfect. I have the ability to recognize my flaws and imperfections, and have the aptitude to address and expunge them. A model that embodies the definition of perfection is an advantage, and a healthy reminder of the person I am, and the person I strive to be.