You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
HOW TO’S<br />
Advice From My Hero<br />
ADVICE<br />
FROM MY HERO, DAD<br />
BY CHI CHENG<br />
ALL. IT’S A TIMEthat signifies the end of summer<br />
break, the frantic rush of getting everything in<br />
order (for students, parents and teachers) and for<br />
me, a bittersweet reminder, my father’s birthday. This<br />
year will be the 6th birthday without him. In lieu of my<br />
typical business article, I’ve chosen to share the best<br />
advice my father gave me, which I believe can serve you<br />
well, no matter what you do professionally. So, readers,<br />
thank you for letting me share wisdom from my father,<br />
Dr. YY Cheng, one of the greatest individuals I’ve had the<br />
privilege of knowing.<br />
1) Be a blank slate!<br />
Anyone that knew my dad knew he was a<br />
lifelong learner. He constantly pushed himself to learn<br />
more. He’d make regular trips to the UC Davis medical<br />
bookstore to buy the knew additions of books he already<br />
read! And, I believe the reason for it was in the advice he<br />
gave me once: “Approach each opportunity as a learning<br />
one and be a blank slate. Even if you think you already<br />
know the subject matter, if you come with your mind<br />
open and as a beginner, you will learn something new!”<br />
4) Be humble!<br />
This wasn’t something he told me but rather<br />
something I observed. In almost ever situation, my father<br />
conducted himself with humility. I watched as people<br />
talked down to him, presumed to know more than him<br />
(he was very well read, triple majored in biology, zoology<br />
and history), and even treated him with contempt based<br />
on his accent or skin color. And, always, he smiled gently<br />
and spoke kindly, or sometimes said nothing at all. He<br />
never let on how much he knew or corrected others. He<br />
just listened and smiled.<br />
5) And finally, find your passion and be the best!<br />
I’m personally still working on this myself, but<br />
I have a high standard for an example. My father loved<br />
his job with a passion. And, he constantly worked to improve<br />
his skills with the most innovative and advanced<br />
techniques. I have yet to find something I love as much<br />
as my father loved medicine, but I know once I do, it’ll<br />
be well worth the wait. Until then, I’ll make my journey a<br />
learning experience!<br />
2) Show the world your strength!<br />
My father always encouraged me to be strong<br />
and show the world my strength. And, I don’t think I<br />
could have coped with the tragedies I’ve encountered<br />
if not for a desire to be strong. It’s something that<br />
constantly echoes in my head when I want to give up.<br />
I’m reminded that I have the strength to endure. This also<br />
ties into the next piece of advice...<br />
3) Always keep pushing!<br />
No matter what your circumstances, or how<br />
long it takes to get there (seven years for me to graduate<br />
with my BA), just keep pushing. Be persistent and you can<br />
accomplish your goals.<br />
30
Change language