Stephen Kelly

What was your first job?
I worked for an ice plant in the summer in high school and the first half of college. I spent my days in a warehouse freezer bagging ice. A lot of people don’t believe me or even think it’s a real job. I guarantee you it is very real, and it is very cold.

Who is someone you admire?
I admire my grandparents. They all had to work incredibly hard to provide for their family and give their children a better life. My mother’s parents especially since they immigrated to U.S. from Ireland. In Ireland, they grew up in complete poverty. Whenever I am faced with adversity or think I won’t succeed, I think about everything that they went through. It reminds me of how fortunate I am and to work harder.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...
“The stranger will teach you”. My Irish grandfather had many great, witty phrases. This was one of his favorites that always stuck with me. He would say it if you went to him for advice or help with something, but then decided his advice wasn’t good enough or not the answer you wanted to hear. At some point later in life, you’re going to find yourself in a similar situation and a stranger will tell you the same thing that my grandfather told you before. Only then would you realize he was right all along. It’s important to truly listen when you go to someone you trust for help because they have your best interest at heart even if it is advice you don’t want to hear.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be...
Time travel. I love history. There are so many events and time periods I would go back in time to witness.