Have you ever had one of those mornings where you hit the snooze button so many times that you’re practically negotiating with your alarm clock? You know, the kind of day where even your coffee needs a coffee? We’ve all been there.
Life can be a bit of a rollercoaster, can’t it? One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re wondering if everyone else got a manual on “how to adult” and you missed the memo. But here’s the thing—we’re all figuring it out as we go.
Mind if I share a story with you? I promise it’s worth it.
When I was younger, my future looked… well, let’s just say it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I grew up poor—like, really poor. There were days when my family had one egg between us. And let me tell you, I was doing intermittent fasting way before it was cool… only because we had intermittent money.
After 9th grade, I almost ended up in remedial math. I thought, “Math isn’t my thing. Maybe I’ll just stick to the easy stuff.”
But then, something unexpected happened. My chess teacher noticed something in me. I know what you’re thinking—chess? Really? Who plays chess these days? Well, apparently, I did! Nerd alert! But here’s the thing: I was pretty good at it. If you’ve seen “The Queen’s Gambit,” I was no Beth Harmon, but I could hold my own. My teacher thought, “If this kid can think ahead in chess, maybe he’s got a knack for math and science.”
He encouraged me to try geometry, then calculus, and before I knew it, I was knee-deep in quantum physics. Wait, quantum physics? Yep, you heard that right! From almost flunking math to exploring the mysteries of the universe. Talk about a plot twist!
But I didn’t get there alone. I had mentors who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. One even helped me get a spot at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Fancy, huh? That opened doors I never knew existed. Eventually, I landed a job in the high-tech industry working with AI. Not too shabby for a kid who started with nothing, right?
You know that saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears”? That’s exactly how it felt. These mentors showed up at just the right times, helping me rise from feeling stuck in the mud to reaching for the stars.
Speaking of rising, have you heard the phrase “No mud, no lotus”? It’s a beautiful saying by Thich Nhat Hanh, a wise Buddhist monk. It means that without the mud—the challenges and struggles—we can’t have the lotus—the beauty and growth. That saying resonates with me deeply.
But hold on a second—can I ask you something?
Your Journey Matters Too
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in the mud? Maybe you’re juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and trying to find time to binge-watch your favorite show before someone spoils it. We’ve all been there.
Life throws curveballs at all of us. Sometimes it’s a flat tire on a Monday morning; other times, it’s bigger challenges that make us question if we’re on the right path. But here’s the silver lining—the mud can help us grow.
Just like the lotus flower rises from murky waters to bloom beautifully, you have the strength to rise above your challenges. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. And every day is a new opportunity to start fresh.
Remember, “Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.“ That’s a wise saying from Buddha, and it’s so true. You can’t change the past, but you can shape your future.
So, it’s rough on some days, but we find a way to rise like the lotus, seeking new beginnings. You get it! I know… But what if the mud is really deep? That’s the reality for some.
Take Emily, for example…
Emily’s Journey: From Darkness to Discovery
Emily grew up on a farm without electricity. Yep, you read that right—no lights, no TV, not even a refrigerator. She was one of ten siblings in a family where no one could read or write. They were tenant subsistence farmers, working hard just to put food on the table. College? That was a distant dream, almost like wishing for the moon.
When I met Emily, she thought the best she could do was become a maid overseas to support her family. She didn’t know how to type, had never heard of Microsoft Word, and didn’t even know how to upload a photo to Facebook! I mean, who doesn’t know how to upload a selfie these days? Technology was a complete mystery to her. But I saw a spark in her eyes—a curiosity, a determination. She spoke about wanting to become a teacher, but to her, it was just a fantasy—a dream as distant as winning the lottery.
I thought, “What if Emily had the chance to learn? What could she become?”
So, we started small. I enrolled her in a typing course. Now, if you’ve ever tried teaching someone how to type, you know it requires the patience of a saint. But Emily was eager. She practiced every day, starting with “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” and eventually moving on to actual sentences.
Next, I enrolled her in a Microsoft Office course where she learned about Word, PowerPoint, and even Excel. She was fascinated by Word—”You mean I can type a letter and print it?” she exclaimed. PowerPoint blew her mind—”I can make slideshows?” And Excel… well, let’s just say she and spreadsheets had a love-hate relationship.
Photo Editing Courses
Then we dove into photo editing courses because pictures were something she could really connect with. She loved the idea of capturing moments and making them even more beautiful. Since she only had access to an old Nokia brick phone—you know, the kind that could survive a nuclear blast—the photos were pixelated and grainy. But to Emily, each one was a masterpiece waiting to happen. She learned about lighting, composition, and even basic Photoshop skills at the local internet café. She edited her first photo and couldn’t stop showing it to everyone—even the chickens wandering around! They didn’t seem too impressed, but we sure were.
Social Media Exploration
After that, we explored the world of social media. Emily actually thought you had to print a photo and physically insert it into the computer—I mean, can you imagine? It was both adorable and a little heartbreaking. Using the computers at the local internet café—where most people rented time by the hour to play games—Emily was the odd one out. While others were battling virtual dragons, she was battling the mysteries of the web. She learned how to connect with others online, share her thoughts, and yes, she finally uploaded her first photo to Facebook! It only took 27 attempts, but who’s counting?
Enrolling in Programming Classes
But with encouragement—and maybe a little nudge—she decided to go for it. She enrolled in an introductory programming class. Now, this wasn’t easy. Coding languages sounded like alien talk at first. But when she discovered Visual Basic, she was thrilled. ‘It’s like English!’ she exclaimed. The familiar words made the world of coding a bit less intimidating. She struggled with syntax errors and debugging code that just wouldn’t cooperate. But Emily was determined. She spent all her time after school at the internet café, watching tutorials, reading forums, and practicing.
The Lotus Bloomed
And guess what? She excelled! From not knowing how to turn on a computer to coding her own programs—that’s a journey worth celebrating. Emily is now a successful tech professional, supporting her family and inspiring her younger sister to study computer engineering. How amazing is that?
Emily’s story is the perfect example of rising above circumstances. She didn’t just grow; she blossomed. She emerged from the mud—literally, since she grew up working in muddy fields with her family—to become something truly extraordinary.
Lotus flower much? Exactly!
Why the Lotus Flower?
You might be wondering, “What’s up with the lotus flower?” Great question!
In many cultures, especially in Asia, the lotus symbolizes growth, resilience, and new beginnings. It grows in muddy water but rises above to bloom beautifully. “No mud, no lotus,” as Thich Nhat Hanh says. Without challenges, we can’t grow.
My first prize-winning photo was of a lotus blooming with a golden koi fish swimming nearby. For me, the lotus represents how something beautiful can emerge from tough circumstances—just like Emily, just like me, and just like you.
A Symbol of Hope and Transformation
The lotus isn’t just a flower; it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and transformation. It represents the idea that even in the murkiest waters, something beautiful can emerge. And that’s exactly the message we want to share at Quan Pathways.
When we talk about the lotus, we’re talking about the potential we see in every child we help—the potential to rise above their circumstances, to face challenges, and to bloom into something extraordinary. It’s more than just a flower; it’s a reminder that we all have the power to transform.
How You Can Make a Difference
So, how about it? Want to make a difference?
- Support STEM Education: Consider making a direct donation to Quan Pathways. Every contribution helps us support students like Emily on their journey to rise above challenges and pursue STEM education.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and family. The more people who know about our work, the more kids we can help bloom.
- Embrace Your Journey: Let the lotus flower inspire you in your own journey. Remember, no mud, no lotus. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow.
The Ripple Effect
Remember how my mentors changed my life? Because of them, I was able to help Emily. Now, Emily’s inspiring her siblings and others in her community. It’s like throwing a pebble into a pond—the ripples just keep spreading.
And it all starts with someone like you deciding to take action.
Your Story Isn’t Over
Maybe you’re facing your own set of challenges right now. Maybe you’re dealing with work stress, family issues, or personal goals that feel out of reach. Remember, the lotus grows in muddy water. It’s the struggles that make the bloom so beautiful.
Every time you wear your lotus flower necklace, let it be a reminder that you, too, can rise above. Let it inspire you to take that next step, whatever it may be.
Bringing It All Together
Maybe you’re facing your own set of challenges right now. Maybe you’re dealing with work stress, family issues, or personal goals that feel out of reach. Remember, the lotus grows in muddy water. It’s the struggles that make the bloom so beautiful.
Together, we can help more kids like Emily rise above their circumstances and reach their full potential. And along the way, we might just find ourselves blooming too.
Thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for the wisdom in that beautiful saying.
Join the Journey
Are you ready to make a difference?
- Be the Change: Consider making a direct donation to Quan Pathways. Every dollar makes a difference.
- Share the Change: Tell others about our mission. Share Emily’s story. You never know who might be inspired to help.
Remember, it doesn’t take much to make a big impact. Just like the lotus rises from the mud to bloom, we can help underprivileged kids—and ourselves—rise above challenges and flourish.
Let’s make a difference together, one bloom at a time!