As a child, I grew up working in the hot summer sun doing construction with my family. It was a tough job, but it was all we knew coming from our bloodline of blue collar workers. We worked alongside other construction workers, most of whom were like us struggling to make ends meet. I saw firsthand how hard they worked, and how the job took a physical and mental toll on their bodies.
Despite these challenges, I admired how my family members always treated their coworkers with kindness and respect, always offering water or just a simple conversation during lunch. They would go out of their way to help others, whether it was by lending a hand or simply offering a listening ear to their work . They showed me that even in the toughest situations, compassion and empathy could go a long way.
As I grew older and started exploring other interests, I never forgot the lessons I learned on those construction sites. When I saw other kids struggling to balance academics with extracurricular activities, I remembered the compassion and empathy that my family members had shown towards their coworkers. To always give a helping hand if possible.
I started volunteering my time tutoring kids after school in my neighborhood, listening to their struggles and providing guidance where I could. I understood the pressures that came with juggling school work and other activities, and I used my own experiences of having to work 30 hours a week under the table with my family to help cover expenses. These lessons help these kids find a balance that works for them.
Through my work, I saw the impact that compassion and empathy could have on those around me. I saw the transformation in these kids' attitudes towards learning and their newfound ability to balance multiple activities without sacrificing their academic success.
In the end, I grew up to become a compassionate and empathetic young adult who strives for a physics degree and a Stanford MBA, using the lessons I learned in the hot summer sun to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I understood that while life may not always be fair or easy, it is our ability to show compassion and understanding towards others that makes all the difference.
My experiences working in construction and tutoring kids have left a lasting impact on my life. The lessons of compassion and empathy that I learned in those early years have shaped my worldview and inspired me to make a positive impact on the world around me.
My ultimate goal is to create a counseling program with a culture of compassion and empathy, where individuals from all walks of life can come together to support and uplift one another. I believe that we are all interconnected, and that by helping others, we help ourselves. Through my life mission, I hope to make a positive impact on the world around me and inspire others to do the same.
