Martin Nguyen, Salutatorian
Eisenhower Highschool

The many rocky roads and unpaved paths... twists and turns...honestly, I find no uniqueness in hardships–these obstacles that everyone faces; thus, facing hardship stands as an ordinary task. And quite frankly, as more thoughts of hardships enter my mind, I am more compelled to feel guilty–knowing that many others suffer far greater obstacles than the depths of my mind could comprehend. I suppose, however, that it is not the hardships we face but rather the way we face hardships that makes us who we are today. Obviously, the same hardships are not bestowed upon everyone–therefore allowing some variation. However...I am Vietnamese. And that makes all the difference–it makes me unique.

Like most Vietnamese babies, ba me were my first words, but thanks to my parents, I had learned to speak, read, and write both Vietnamese and English by my fourth birthday. Unfortunately, I was, at times, too far ahead...I never had any friends in school. While other kids recited their alphabet, I read books. While other kids counted fingers, I multiplied three digit numbers. While other kids made friends, I learned the meaning of loneliness. However, I simply applied myself toward studying instead of worrying about making friends. I knew that both my parents struggle strenuously to give me the opportunity they never had–to make something of themselves. Teardrops leak from my eyes when thinking about their wasted potential...both my parents were at the top of their classes in Vietnam. And now. Their occupations are simply assemblers, putting together computer parts, and because they work so much of the time, the close family bonds I thirsted for never existed. Yet. No amount of words can quantify the depth of my love for my parents; thus, I cannot let them down while knowing the sacrifices they have made. I must make them proud...I must cho tron chu hieu.