He had a clear focus on life, a strong work ethic, and a direction in life in which he conquered. For most people, it takes them a long time to become successful in their career, but it wasn’t this way for Todd. As said by his wife, “He knew that in order to enjoy success in any area….business….he had to work hard, create smart strategies, and be a team player.” Todd did just this. Although Todd didn’t like being away from his family all the time because he had to travel for work, he knew that in the long run it would be worth it; therefore, he was devoted to his job. Todd took his work very seriously. This started in school for Todd. Todd was so successful in school because he studied. Todd’s friends would ask him to go out and have fun with them, but Todd would refuse because he had to study and all the studying did pay off. Todd made mostly As and Bs in high school and was easily accepted in to college. While most prosperous business people show off everything they had, Todd didn’t. His wife says, “Yet even with all his successes, Todd never flaunted his abilities or accomplishments.
He remained humble...” Todd worked hard in college and eventually got an M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago. Todd was also successful with the money he had. He was very wise when it came to saving and handling money. He had a whole plan on how to be financially successful by the time he was 30 and how he would continue to deal with his money. Todd put everything he had into his job, doing whatever needed to be done. There was nothing that Todd couldn’t handle. In 1994, Todd worked for Oracle as a field marketing representative by 1995, he was promoted to associate account manager, and a year later he was an account manager with his own account list. On September 11th, Todd was successful when he brought the plane down. Todd didn’t want anyone else to get hurt on the ground, and he succeeded. Todd put his best into his work which is why he was so successful.
Todd Beamer was very religious and was faithful in his religion and faithful in general. Todd Beamer got his faith at a young age by his parents. Todd was brought up in church and Todd’s parents encouraged their children to not only read the bible but also to apply what they learned to daily life. Todd would always pray and always remained faithful to his God. Todd chose a life in business because he wanted the way he lived with God to rub off on others. Todd was faithful to his wife. He never cheated on her or hurt her in anyway. Although Todd sometimes worked a lot, which would upset his wife, he would do his best to change and make her happy. Todd also had faith in the teams he loved to watch such as, the Chicago Bears. While some people give up on their teams when they do badly, Todd didn’t. Even though the Bears didn’t make the Super Bowl one year, Todd proudly watched the game in his Bears jacket. In everything Todd did, he remained faithful. On September 11th, Todd was put on that flight for a reason. Could it be because of his faith? Through that flight, Todd never doubted God, he didn’t become angry, he remained faithful. He knew what he had to do and got it done.
Although today we see Todd Beamer as a hero, he was just an ordinary guy. Todd wasn’t a millionaire, he didn’t have a reality TV show, he was a normal, everyday person like you and me. Todd had a normal job, a loving wife and kids and enjoyed watching and playing sports. Todd was living the American dream. In the year 2000, he began building his dream house, he attended professional baseball games, and he played ball with his kids. On September 11th, he was just an ordinary passenger who did what he knew was right, just like he did his whole life. He didn’t know he was going to die when he boarded that flight, but that was okay. He boarded that plane as a normal guy who no one knew and landed as a hero who will never be forgotten.
