By Kian

Hello everyone, my name is Kian. Today, I want to talk about something we all need in life: resilience. Resilience is the strength we use to face challenges, to keep going when things get tough. Life isn’t always easy—everyone faces struggles—but resilience helps us rise above those struggles and grow stronger with every step we take.

Have you ever felt scared to try something new? Maybe you’ve dreamed of doing something exciting but held back because it seemed too difficult or uncertain. I’ve been there, too. Let me share a story about a time when I had to find my own resilience.

Just over a year ago, I was at a turning point in my life. I felt lost, unsure of what direction to take. It’s a scary feeling, not knowing what’s next. But what scared me even more was the idea of staying where I was—stuck in my comfort zone, never taking risks, and never discovering what I could achieve.

I’ve always wanted to make a difference, so I worked as a teaching assistant for a while. But deep down, I felt I could do more. That’s when I made a big decision: I would move to China and become a teacher. China had always fascinated me with its rich culture, history, and traditions. But I was stepping into the unknown. I would be moving to a new country—alone. No family, no friends waiting for me. It was thrilling, but it was also terrifying.

At first, fear tried to hold me back. I thought of all the things that could go wrong. What if I felt lonely? What if I couldn’t adapt to the culture or learn the language? Chinese is so different from English! When I first arrived, even ordering food felt like an impossible task.

But here’s what resilience taught me: courage doesn’t mean being fearless. It means being scared but taking that first step anyway. So, I did. I started learning Chinese, one word at a time. I learned phrases like “你好” (nǐ hǎo) and “谢谢” (xièxiè). I made mistakes—plenty of them—but I didn’t give up. Each mistake was a lesson, and each lesson brought me closer to where I wanted to be.

One day, I had my first full conversation in Chinese. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt amazing. Over time, I adapted. I learned how to navigate daily life, ask for directions, and connect with people. Slowly but surely, I found my place in a world that once felt so unfamiliar.

Now, a year later, I can see how much I’ve grown. I’ve met incredible people, learned valuable lessons, and experienced things I never imagined. I’ve tried new foods, explored breathtaking places, and built a life I’m proud of—all because I chose to take a leap of faith.

I’m sharing this with you because I know some of you might be facing your own crossroads. Maybe you’re unsure about the future, afraid of leaving home, or wondering if you have what it takes to succeed. But one thing I’m sure of is this: you are stronger than you think. 

Let me leave you with a powerful thought. Marcus Aurelius, a famous roman philosopher, once said, “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Life will always bring challenges we can’t control, but we can control how we respond. And every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow.

So, when you feel uncertain or afraid, take that first step. Trust in yourself. Remember, each step forward, no matter how small, makes you stronger. You are capable of more than you know.

Thank you for listening, and I hope you find your resilience, no matter where life takes you.