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Joy

Dad gives pep talk and women are thanking him for the encouragement

"You have no idea how much I needed to hear this today. I'm so overwhelmed with life currently and my daddy is in heaven."

dad advice; dads of tiktok; parenting; fatherhood; faith in humanity restored

Dad gives pep talk to strangers on the internet

Not everyone has supportive parents in their lives and it can be really difficult when you're having a moment where you need parental encouragement. It doesn't seem to matter how old you are, hearing an encouraging word from a parental figure is always comforting. A man on TikTok understands that need and made a special video for women who may need to hear some dad advice.

Old Foul Dude is the name of the TikTok page and while he does let one F-bomb drop, the message he released into the universe is just beautiful. He starts the video looking into the camera, which makes it feel like FaceTime as he continues talking.

"Hey baby girl, I know you're having a rough time. I know you're tired, I know you want to cry. You want to give in, you want to give up, but that ain't you," the man says.


He goes on to tell whoever needed to hear the message, "I'm proud of the woman you are. I'm proud of the mother you are. I'm proud of the warrior you are and how you stand up and fight for your family every day."

it may seem strange to some to think words from a stranger could do so much but everyone deserves to feel loved, even if it's from a dad on the internet. We don't get to pick our families or how much time we have on this earth with our parents so hearing a parent tell you they're proud of you can help some fill a void.

"You have no idea how much I needed to hear this today. I'm so overwhelmed with life currently and my daddy is in heaven," one woman wrote.

"Thank you, I needed this too. I miss my daddy so much," another person said.

"Wow. Sir if you could understand how I needed that today. Thank you for stepping up and being a dad on TikTok you have no idea who alls life you're touching. Thank you," someone commented.

"When I tell you I'm in tears... My dad is very emotionally disconnected & I never heard any of this...," a woman wrote.

It's obvious that this message was needed by many and hopefully it continues to reach the people that need to hear it most. You can listen to his message below.

@oldfouldude

A blast from last year! #dadsoftiktok #oldfoulwisdom #OFD #daddydaugthertiktoks #daddaughter #dadlove #OFDlove #bouncertales #jailers #bikers#viking #norse #bouncer #dadlove #daddydaughter #loveyou #detentionofficers #dadsproudofyou

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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