To Dad, it’s impossible to thank you for everything you’ve done, from loving me unconditionally, where you taught me many traditional values and the importance of success. I could not have asked for a better parent or role model. To Mom, thank you for all of the wonderful memories of growing up, for your continued support, and encouragement. You show me that anything is possible, with faith, hard work and determination. Finally, this dedication would not be complete without a very special thank you to my wonderful teacher who give me all of the encouragement and feedback during this writing process – thanks for always being there for me!
In Southeast Asia, in the country of Vietnam, there was a boy who was raised in the beautiful city of Saigon. Now his character had made him shine above all others. For he was kind to the people he met, he was intelligent, especially in academics, and he had thrived to succeed at whatever he set his mind to. But what triumphs all of these great characteristics was his fear of nothing. This may not seem impossible, for all humans have some fear. Whether it is a fear for spiders or the fear of heights, something terrifies all of us individuals.
But believe me when I tell you nothing could create an obstacle for this brave boy. He would say, “Why have fear when it is always the only thing that holds you back from your greatest objective. ” Now the story | am about to tell you is a true story about a wonderful rolemodel to who I look up to everyday and I am so lucky to call him my father. This boy went by the name John. Some important people that had a huge affect on his life were his father and mother, his grandfather, his brother, and his two sisters.
They encourage him to do more than being the best and to never give up. Even though he excellent in school, his grandfather and father kept telling him that he could do better even when he brought home award after award. Although this upset him, this encouraged him to do better, to prove his grandfather and father wrong. Every time he brang more academic achievement awards than before. His grandfather and father still kept telling him that he could do more. What seems impossible to achieve to us is what John achieved himself.
Yet, the day when the Northern Vietnam communist came down and took over the government of the Southern Vietnam, many people had to flee for political persecution. These people included John and his family. They had to get on a fishing boat that was overfilled and could sink, but everyone on that boat had to take that risk. They had to stop once more before they could reach America, they had to stop at refugee camp in Malaysia. The hot sun and the cool water made the air very moist. And, to survive, John woke up early every morning and climbed the mountain to get wood to help his family build a house.
This wood was also helped warm the house and cooking food. To survive John and his family had to live there for a year before they got to go to America. When they arrived in Colorado, they had to live in government housing and get accustomed to American culture. John entered school in 6th grade where he learned English and learned everything in time for high school. He excelled in school, so the school gave him a scholarship to go to a better school. With hard work and determination, he became a doctor, scientist and professor of Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University.
Not only did John excelled in academics, but he was a fun loving person. In college, at a friend’s Christmas party, John came in not knowing that he would find the love of his life. As he stood in the corner, he saw a beautiful girl sitting at a table next to the dance floor. As he gathered his courage, he came up to the girl and asked her to dance. Not only did he dance the night away with her, but he drove her home in the blazing snow in his sports car. Even though he had just met her he felt in his heart that she was his soul mate. As this though pondered in his mind, he decided to host a party.
He thought that if he held this party he could learn more about this mysterious girl. As their relationship grew stronger, he learned that this girl’s name was Audrey. But as the months went by, John had to go to medical school. Usually long distance never works, but John gave Audrey a promise ring that showed that he would come back. As John left, Audrey had faith in John that he would keep this promise. To keep their love growing, every weekend they would have a short 30-minute phone conversation with each other, and they would meet twice every year for four years.
When John finished college, he wanted to surprise Audrey with an engagement and skip the graduation, but John’s dad, mom, brother, and sisters flew over as a surprise to see him graduate. So, he had to hold off the surprise for a day. In medical school, your diploma was give to you before the graduation, but John had to attend to make his father and family proud. The day after graduation, John quickly packed his thing and came home to Audrey proposing to her right in her house. Not only did John keep his promise to Audrey, but he proposed to her before he had to start his internship.
In 1996, John and Audrey got married. Yet the internship in John Hopkins had split them apart once more and put a lot of stress on both John and Audrey. This was because John usually worked from 70 hours to 80 hours each week. But, Audrey decided to move over to Baltimore to be closer to John. After a three year period in the internship, they both decided to have a baby. After three hard years of both their relationship and work, they had a baby. This baby was named Josline. When Josline was born, John’s and Audrey’s family was happy. When Josline turned one, there was a huge celebration for her birthday.
There were many balloons, streamers, and even five different cakes. Everyone was invited; parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, and cousins. This was a wonderful time for John. But, two years later they had another child. They named her Jessica. They love both children with all their hearts, and they took them both everywhere. Yet after another three years, they had another baby. This baby’s name was Justin. Although Josline was five, she always tried to play with Justin. But, this resulted in Justin crying. After another five years, they had another baby, and named him Johnson.
To this day, Josline is 13, I am 11, Justin is 8, and Johnson is 3. John was a little boy with many traits that helped him succeed throughout his life. From surviving on an island, starting over again in a new country, excelling and getting a scholarship, and finding a wife and have four wonderful kids. John taught himself that he could do anything, and he did. Fear is a powerful thing that holds many people back from accomplishing their greatest goals. Sometimes fear makes something that is very possible, impossible. But, John did the impossible
