Pride

As I waved “good bye” to my fellow scholarship winners from the lobby of our hotel, it hit me that I had just spent two of the most memorable days of my life. I became overjoyed as I reflected on the events of the past two days in California. Although I was quite sad to depart from my new friends, I was happy to be leaving as a person who was more motivated, self-confident, and proud than ever.    
 

It was simply an honor to be in California among so many distinguished individuals. Not only did the adults’ accomplishments there amazed me but also I was extremely proud to have been chosen to be among a very intelligent and elite group of young Asian Americans. Some of the hardships that my fellow scholarship winners had to overcome were breathtaking; their success stories were truly inspiring.
 

As a recent immigrant, I personally know the dire need for financial assistance in pursuing a college degree in the United States. Not only did US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce lighten the burden of financing college education for all the scholarship winners but also more importantly it recognized the hard work that we, the students, have put into academics and extracurricular activities through the award ceremony in California. This recognition of our efforts motivates us to continue our hard work and allows us to believe that diligence and dedication are always rewarded. The ceremony inspired us to have self-confidence and to have faith in our future. It made us proud of being who we are. These intangible yet strong feelings that resulted from the ceremony will be the base upon which our future will be built.  
 

The most rewarding experience for me in the entire award ceremony has been the pride of my parents. Both of my parents have worked extremely hard for my education and I literally saw the happiness and pride in my parents’ eyes when my name was called on the stage. I will never forget this moment for this was one of the few moments when I felt that my parents’ hard work for me would not go in vain; I felt that through my hard work, I could achieve all my and my parents’ dreams someday. Furthermore, I am thankful to US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce for providing me with an opportunity to visit California because I am from New York and this is the first time that I’ve visited California.
 

Therefore, my thanks to US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce and to all who support this wonderful organization and us because the members of this organization have truly made a difference in our lives. So, this recognition of our accomplishments by Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce also obliges us to look after the well being of this organization and I, for one, do pledge that in the future I will work to brighten the light that emanates from this organization.