While growing up in a family of 7, my father was a Chicago Police Officer, worked for the States Attorney’s Office, and is now currently working for the City of Chicago. My parents instilled in me, I feel, a lot of good, strong qualities, such as seeing my parents pride themselves in raising 5 boys and helping people whether it was inside or outside of our home. I proudly possess this quality. Another thing I learned from my father was to always help anyone I could, and to expect nothing in return other than the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve done a good deed.

While growing up, my dream was to drive a truck for a living and to become a Teamster. In those days, being a Teamster meant you were part of the strongest union in the world. Over the past 9 years I have watched what the union meant to me diminish, simply because of how is has been and continues to be run. Instead of being stronger, I have watched it become weaker. Instead of members having a say, I have watched dictatorship take place, and I am tired and ashamed of what OUR union has become.