“Did you know that immigrants are 3-4 times more likely to become millionaires than native-born citizens?”

I heard that stat and it made me think about my own life. I was born in China and came to the US at 8 years old. In China we lived in a small one-bedroom apartment. Had no A/C. We boiled our drinking water and showered in communal showers(about once a week). If we wanted to go somewhere we took the bus. Shopping in the city would be a 2-3 hour commute(each way).

We never saw blue sky – Lanzhou was(and is) considered the most polluted city ON THE PLANET. Most days the smog hung over the city like a thick fog.

But all of that pales when you consider the freedoms we lacked. My father was imprisoned for two years after he lead an anti-government protest on the campus he taught at. They were non-violent. They didn’t riot. They didn’t destroy anything. He was arrested because he spoke out against the government.

I’ve always had an intrinsic drive to do my best. And I think it can be attributed to the perspective gained from my early childhood experiences. I think it’s difficult to truly appreciate the blessings that come from being a US citizen until you can juxtapose it against a place where those freedoms and opportunities don’t exist.

Be grateful that we don’t have secret police throwing us in prison for political statements. Be grateful that we can experience the beauty of blue sky, clear sunsets, and preserved nature. Be grateful that you have the opportunity to attend the most prestigious universities in the world. Be grateful that you have a warm place to sleep and a full belly.

Life is perspective, and attitude. Our minds can make a heaven of hell, and a hell of heaven.

Don’t throw away this great opportunity that you’ve been given.