Fathers always know best.

Father’s Day is more than just a day marked by cards, ties and heartfelt gifts. It’s an occasion that honours people who have shaped our lives with love, wisdom and resilience.

Whether it’s a biological father, stepfather, grandfather or a father figure who stepped in when it mattered most, this day acknowledges the powerful role they play.

For students, Father’s Day is a reminder of the steady support system that often stands quietly behind their academic journey—someone cheering from the sidelines, encouraging through challenges and sharing in the joy of achievements.

I spoke with some students from Humber Polytechnic about the best advice they’ve received from their fathers. Here’s what they shared!

The learner’s mindset

I spoke with Aakhya Singh, a film and multiplatform storytelling student, who shared a powerful piece of advice from her father that continues to shape her perspective as an artist and individual.

“The best advice my dad ever gave me was to stay rooted and grounded,” she said.

Her father, a writer himself, consistently emphasized the importance of humility and maintaining a student’s mindset.

“He reminded me that thinking like an achiever can limit you, but thinking like a learner will keep you evolving,” Singh said.

That wisdom has stuck with her not only in her musical journey but in the small, everyday moments. It’s a mindset that allows her to keep growing, stay open and remain connected to her purpose as a storyteller.

The power of curiosity

I spoke with Ana Ochoa, a student in the bachelor of creative advertising program, about a piece of advice from her father that has stayed with her and continues to shape how she approaches the world.

“My dad has always been a walking encyclopedia. Growing up, it was almost a tradition to sit in his studio and listen to his hand-me-down knowledge. While I treasure those moments now, the much more energetic eight-year-old me didn’t appreciate them nearly as much,” Ochoa admitted.

She recalled one moment in particular, when her father was passionately talking about a poet she had no interest in.

“I wanted to end the conversation, so I told him, probably no one knows that guy, but my father’s response was something that stuck with me, he said, ‘Something isn’t any less important just because you don’t know it.’ That day, I learned to welcome knowledge and respect it—especially when it’s unfamiliar,” Ochoa mentioned.

Now, as she prepares for a career in advertising strategy, Ochoa approaches her work with a mindset rooted in curiosity. She tries to look beyond what’s obvious and find the stories that most people tend to overlook.

“At the end of the day, that’s how you become your own walking encyclopedia. Just like Mr. Ochoa himself,” Ochoa said, smiling.

Do what you love and do it well

I talked with Drashti Pandya, another film and multiplatform storytelling student, about the most memorable advice from her father.

“The best advice my father gave me was to do what you love and do it the best way possible,” she shared.

During a time when Pandya felt uncertain about her career path and questioned why she couldn’t follow a more straightforward route, her father’s words offered clarity.

“I used to feel bad that I kept changing directions and couldn’t find meaning in all of it. That’s when he told me that you can be a gardener, as long as you do it in the best way you can and are ready to live a gardener’s life,” Pandya said.

It’s a sentiment that has stuck with her ever since, guiding her through moments of confusion and transition.

“I apply that advice every day, especially when I’m making big decisions. I go back to it—I relax and I remind myself to choose what I love to do, not what the world considers best,” Pandya said.

Her father’s wisdom wasn’t rooted in achievement, but in alignment. “He told me that life is livable if you are happy with it. It’ll become intolerable if you’re constantly living a life that doesn’t make sense to you but is considered the best by society,” she said.

For Pandya, those words have become more than advice—they’ve become a way of life.

Slowing down to celebrate

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in our own worlds and forget to pause for those who matter most.

This Father’s Day serves as an important reminder to slow down, make time and truly connect with the father figures who have shaped our lives. Whether it’s through a simple conversation, a shared laugh or just being present, these moments are priceless.

Don’t hesitate to tell them you love and appreciate them—their support, guidance and wisdom are gifts that often go unspoken but are deeply felt.

What is the best advice your father has given you? Tag us @shareignite! We’d love to hear it!

Feature image courtesy of Hoi An Photographer on Unsplash

Want to hear the best advice students got from their moms? Check out students pass on their mom’s best advice!

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