From the beginning,

They told me I didn’t have a chance at living.

Born premature,

It was said to be sure,

That I would be,

Blind.

Deaf.

Ill.

Challenged.

I proved them wrong.

I am fortunate for my life.

I am thankful for my life.

 

I grew up without a father.

Sure, at times it was a bother.

But my mom and I made it through.

She raised me.

She taught me.

She fought for me.

She loved me.

And for that,

I am fortunate that I have a loving family.

I am thankful that I have a family.

 

We are a small family.

My mom, aunt, and I.

My uncle died

After a surgery that was supposed to save his life.

He was a father to me.

But I couldn’t save him.

I looked at the rest of them

My mom, my aunt, my friends,

And I became resolute.

I now know that I want to help people.

I know that my true calling

Is to be a doctor.

I am fortunate that I have goals.

I am thankful for the opportunities I have had.

 

It was hard growing up.

Money was hard to come by.

More difficult than some.

Although I didn’t always get the things I wanted

I received the things I needed.

Even though I barely had money myself,

I tried to give back to those who were less fortunate than me.

I would tell them

Don’t worry.

Things will get better.

You just have to trust that they will.

I am fortunate that I have more than most.

I am thankful for the things I have.

 

One day I saw a commercial for the US Army.

It changed my life.

This idea wormed its way into my head,

And taunted me in bed.

I decided,

I will do that.

I want to be a soldier.

So, in high school,

I became a leader,

In JROTC.

And I know that

I will let nothing stop me

From achieving my goals.

I am fortunate for the things I have achieved.

I am thankful for the lessons I have received.

 

I am a college freshman now.

Going to the University of Washington.

(Go Huskies)

I don’t have money to pay for tuition.

And some have a premonition,

That I will get kicked out.

But I will prove them wrong again.

I will graduate.

I will become a soldier.

I will become a surgeon.

Even though the odds are against me.

But sometimes

If you play your cards right

The odds turn in your favor.

I am fortunate for the opportunities presented to me.

I am thankful for the great life I have led.

 

So remember that things are not always what they seem.

Remember to tell others how grateful you are.

Remember not to take things for granted.

Remember that someone always has it worse than you.

Remember that you are the only one that stands in your way.

Be fortunate.

Be thankful.