This is my family Christmas picture from last year. My dad is a photographer and each year he has new concepts for our Christmas pictures. He likes to choose ideas that reflect the most impacted current event of the year. Last year my dad chose the economic downfall as the theme. This picture symbolizes that although the world may be at an ugly state, as long as the family has love and one another, everything will be all right. My name is Jessica Li and I am the girl in the brown top all the way to the right of the photo.
I grew up with a lot of love and support that most children in the United States hardly ever find in their lives. Realizing this, I am even more grateful of my parents. My parents have always given my sisters and I the skills that we need in order to survive and enjoy life. Unlike most Asian parents, my parents have never forced us to get straight “A’s” nor wanted us to be doctors or lawyers. At times I do see it in their eyes, their yearning for their children to choose a more “successful” career, but I am glad that they stuck to their parenting style and away from the norm to nourish their family with love and support. Growing up, they have always told my sister and I as long as we try our best in school and learn something, that is enough. I hope that one day I will be able to show and spread the love that my parents have given to me to others by opening an oratory. An oratory is a school, a playground, a church, a theatre, and a home for orphans.
I hope to instill my values and other people’s values in my oratory. I learn that in life, all you need is love. As cheesy as it sounds, love is what makes the world turn. Know who you are as a person as well as your weaknesses, so that you know where to improve on. Ask for help because most of the time, without the help of our family and friends, it stops us from taking the first step to accomplish our dreams. Dreams can be very abstract and they may seem impossible to reach, but you can accomplish your dreams. I have one hundred and one dreams listed out on my wall to remind me everyday and so far, I have accomplished seven of those. They can be small and/or big dreams and you can achieve them. Know that you deserve the best no matter who you are. However, sometimes, opportunities are given to you and sometimes you have to work for it. Most importantly, being kind is always better than being right. In order to be happy, you must know what it feels like to be sad. Without experiencing both emotions, you will never be able to live life to the fullest.
