In Memory of Liv Scholarship

Being a child of immigrants from both parents taught me the importance of hard work as a means to achieve my dreams. My father exemplified this through his journey from being a student who worked part-time as a dishwasher in college to saving enough money to travel across Europe in the 70s. His determination to satiate his hunger for knowledge through hard work was inspiring. As the only son in his family, after his father's death, he assumed the role of 'abu' (in term of respect and responsibility) for his sisters. The knowledge and experiences he gained at a young age allowed him to think critically and support his sisters' college education while completing his own university studies. Adapting from his South Asian home to the liberal American belief system and navigating the differences between both countries was not easy. On the other hand, my mother left Indonesia to support my father in attaining his master's degree. She faced racism and had to stand on her own feet, leaving behind the delicious 'pasar' cuisines and the close-knit ancestry around her. My mother stepped out of her comfort zone in hopes of a better future. She worked and sacrificed tirelessly to raise us despite their limitations, even pursuing her GED education simultaneously with her responsibilities at home. Growing up with parents who had such a hunger for knowledge, a strong work ethic, and an adventurous spirit ingrained these values in me. "If there is a will, there is a way" is something I hold tightly. I am grateful for the opportunity to be raised by my immigrant parents, who taught me to appreciate diverse perspectives and to be proud of my roots. They embraced positive aspects of their new environment while holding onto meaningful traditions and heritage. I admire my parents deeply. However, I believe in forging my own path. No one can fully fit into another person's shoes, and every decision in life is crucial and can significantly impact one's trajectory. I prefer to learn from both my experiences and the experiences of my parents while following my personal blueprint. By doing so, I believe I can bring a positive impact to my personal growth and those around me. Reflecting on my parents' journey, I realize I am never just me; I am a blend of the people I've met, especially my parents. Their teachings have given me the courage to dream big and the determination to pursue my goals. Their stories of perseverance and sacrifice are woven into who I am.