By acknowledging my appreciation for my surroundings, this article definitely is something I see myself passionate about. But as I reflect on every single meaningful moment I’ve experienced, I often disregard my innermost admiration when expressing it to the most important people in my life–my family. 

To my mom: thank you for everything you have done for me. From encouraging me to try different extracurricular activities when I was young to supporting me in every single step I want to pursue, you are undoubtedly the biggest support system that I can ever ask for. By the influence of excessive peer pressure on achievements, thank you for denying my perceived personal image of failure, and instead telling me that everything I do is to help shape who I am as a person. You are the one who told me the importance of appreciation, and I cannot appreciate you more for everything you did.

To my dad: you are the most passionate and hardworking person I’ve ever met, and thank you for all of your dedication to our family despite the large workload you have to face. Thank you for all of the family and educational experiences you gave me while growing up.  With the usual discussions of politics, history and society at the dinner table, you are the one who gave me the image of this philosophical world. Thank you for imparting the knowledge that will be valuable for the rest of my life, and saying that you are extremely proud of my originality. You are such a cool dad for not putting pressure on me under the competitive circumstances, by bringing me to Disneyland when I was freaked out about a test, and telling me that it is okay not to be on the top.

To my brother: thank you for being with me all the time regardless of my mood, for passing me tissue paper and your favorite chocolate when I was crying over friendship issues, for listening and chatting with me over my own school pressure, and being in an interesting mood everyday. The sweetest thing you said is that you want to become a kung fu teacher just to protect your sister, and you genuinely want your sister to one day become your teacher. Since we do have a large age gap, thank you for not being annoying and always knocking on my door before entering my room! I am proud of every accomplishment you’ve had so far, and you are going to be an intelligent individual when you grow up!

My family has been the most important part of my life; they have shaped me into who I am and supported me through every single step. To my dad, my mom, and my brother whom I cannot thank enough—thank you for everything.