I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for the past two days, it’s so powerful.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought it’d be appropriate to reflect upon my blessings and express how grateful I am. A few weeks ago, my dad said something to me that I’m still obsessing over. He said, “Lien, if we didn’t come to America, I’m positive that none of you (he’s referring to my cousins and I) would have amounted to anything.” I’m not sure why this surprised me. I always knew that I was lucky and I knew that my parents sacrificed a great deal for me to have better opportunities than they had. But, I guess I never imagined myself not being successful. My dad has always been supportive of me, always so sure that I was smart and that I’d be successful—but this was first time that I heard my dad expressed uncertainty in my future. Regardless, the truth is that one tiny glitch in our immigration papers could have changed the entire course of my life. And so, I’ll never forget how lucky I am.
Throughout my life, I’ve put my head down, locked myself in my room, buried myself in books and tried to push my way through. I have very little friends, probably no more than I can count on my own two hands. I spend more time listening than speaking and I am much more passive than assertive. I worked hard, and I learn fast. All such characteristics led to my graduation from high school as senior class president and valedictorian. I am now a senior in college, accepted to every single optometry school I applied to, and still receiving job opportunities from Procter & Gamble.
I wonder if I’ve lived my life right. Should I have spent more time building friendships rather than studying? Why was I so scared of making mistakes? Should I have taken more risks?
Regardless, I can’t believe that I’ve made it this far, but it’s only the start of my story.
This year, I am thankful for:
1. My beautiful parents who have spent years working to support me emotionally and financially through my education process. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to know you both as not only my parents, but as an individual. One day, I will buy you a big house and take you to see the world. I will help make your dreams come true, as you have made mine possible.
2. My outrageous baby sister who is my best friend, my inspiration in life. When you’re old enough, I will tell you that I both my undergraduate and optometry entrance essays were written about you. I promise to be there for you throughout your childhood and life. I’ll try my best to make it to every concert or game, or gallery showing—whatever you choose, I’ll be there.
3. My loving boyfriend who has held my hand through all of my obstacles. You are more than I deserve. I would not be the same person without you. I promise to be a better girlfriend, to love you unconditionally.
4. My cousins who are still my best friends, even though we don’t talk as much as we use to. You guys keep me grounded, and I promise we’ll always keep in touch (except for Uyen cause she screens my phone calls).
5. My VSA girls who are always so kind, always so fun. You guys make me laugh and I am so happy that our paths have crossed. I learned a lot from each of you, and I’m hoping that we never lose touch. I promise to be a better friend—and I’ll start by answering my phone more often.
:) Happy Thanksgiving!
