Today we’d like to introduce you to Addison Van.
Hi Addison, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Addison Van, a senior at Bridgeland High School, and I am a first-generation Vietnamese American. Born from parents who escaped Vietnam in the late ‘70s, my parents’ struggles as immigrants have made me grateful for every opportunity I have experienced, and my parents’ efforts to build a better future has led me here to you today. Britannica defines the term “boat people” as refugees who escape a place by boat; however, the term mainly refers to the near-two million Vietnamese who fled their country by sea following the 1975 collapse of the South Vietnamese government to communism– marked as one of the largest mass exoduses in modern history with approximately a third of refugees perishing on the treacherous journey. My parents were among those who embarked on this perilous voyage, leaving behind their home, their family, cultural heritage, and thriving communities to escape the oppressive and violent communist regime in order to build a better future for themselves and their children.
Their journey was filled with unimaginable hardships – cramped vessels, sea pirates, dehydration, starvation, and the constant fear of drowning. They would be tortured or even killed if they were caught fleeing Vietnam by the government, so the decision to leave their homeland was not taken lightly, but they knew that the chance of a better life elsewhere was worth the risks. The once vibrant and culturally rich society they knew had turned into a place of violence, betrayal, and lethality, leaving them no choice but to seek refuge in any place they could.
For many years, I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the challenges my parents faced during their escape. It was only recently that I came to understand the immense courage and resilience they displayed. This profound realization drastically shifted my entire perspective on life, making me appreciate every single opportunity that comes my way. I actively work on no longer taking things for granted by seizing every chance to grow as a young adult, whether it’s through academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, or personal development. I am extremely lucky and grateful to be in a position today where I can be supported to create my own success, and I will not let that astronomical opportunity go to waste.
My parents’ story epitomizes the American Dream, something I aspire to attain one day myself. Starting with nothing in a foreign land after leaving behind everything they’d ever known, they built a prosperous future through sheer determination and hard work. Their journey has taught me the value of creating my own path and daring to go against the norms of today to pioneer my future tomorrow.
As a young adult in this wild world, my parents’ escape as boat people has provided a catalyst for my own growth and self-discovery. Their fortitude and tenacity have taught me to value the possibilities I have and to pursue my ambitions with courage and avidity. Their tale motivates me to be brave and accept the obstacles that come my way, knowing that those who persist will be rewarded. I am grateful for their sacrifices and aim to continue their tradition of bravery and victory in all that I do.
Throughout my high school journey, I’ve been driven to make a lasting impact by embracing every opportunity that has come my way. As the inaugural editor-in-chief of our school’s literary magazine, I took on a leadership role that allowed me to celebrate creativity and amplify diverse voices within our school’s artistic community. Through careful curation and collaboration from hundreds of submissions from students and faculty alike, I transformed an idea into a tangible creation and published a magazine that resonated deeply with fellow students.
Moreover, I served as the vice president of the chess club, where I grew my organizational skills and contributed to the growth of the club itself. Organizing meetings and coordinating events, I honed my ability to lead and collaborate effectively. The experience of leading within the chess club not only enhanced my organizational skills but also deepened my appreciation for teamwork and strategic thinking. Through various tournaments and matches, I realized the importance of making calculated decisions under pressure and fostering camaraderie among team members. These skills have been invaluable in shaping my approach to tackling my goals and aspirations head-on.
In addition to my school involvements, I extended my impact to the local community through various avenues. Volunteering within the community centers and outreach programs, I engaged wholeheartedly, offering not just assistance but also a listening ear and emotional support to individuals from various backgrounds. Furthermore, I also contributed as a baseball umpire for youth games, fostering fair play and teamwork among the younger generation. This role allowed me to impart values of sportsmanship and provide guidance to budding athletes.
One pivotal moment in my journey was my exploration into social entrepreneurship. My engagement with environmental classes at school underscored the urgency of global environmental stewardship. Mixed with my immense passion for the incredulous world of business, this realization led to the creation of my first e-commerce business, driven by a strong commitment to effecting change. Through this venture, I channeled my entrepreneurial drive to make a difference on a larger scale. With a pledge to contribute profits to tree planting in partnership with a non-profit organization focused on global reforestation, I endeavored to create a positive impact and contribute to a sustainable future. Despite recently facing the difficult choice to close down the website and business, I am both humbled and proud to announce that I successfully managed to plant twenty-five trees in critical areas of Vietnam. This accomplishment holds immense significance for me, representing a remarkable achievement in my ongoing efforts to nurture and protect the environment. Moving forward, I am committed to consistently putting forth my best endeavors to uphold my social mission and contribute to the well-being of our planet.
In closing, my high school journey stands as a testament to the impact of seizing opportunities and effecting positive change. From my leadership role as the editor-in-chief of a literary magazine and within the chess club to engaging with the community and serving as a baseball umpire for youth, I’ve actively pursued avenues to make a meaningful mark. These experiences are all possible because of the sacrifices and struggles my parents endured as immigrants, seeking a better future for our family. Their unwavering determination and resilience continue to inspire and motivate me, driving my commitment to embrace new challenges and opportunities. As I transition to the next phase of my journey, I am guided by the conviction that my actions carry forward the legacy of my parents’ sacrifices, and every chance I take has the potential to create a lasting impact to make them proud.
The people who succeed in life are the ones who are daring enough to go against society & create their own prosperous future. One crucial lesson I’ve learned from my parents is that progress often stems from struggle. They proved that triumph is sweeter when it follows adversity. Fear of failure is natural, but true courage lies in conquering that fear to achieve our goals. I have realized that bravery is not without the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The courageous man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear to succeed. You can’t cross an ocean merely by standing and staring at the water, and I for one have already started swimming.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been shaped by a significant and deeply personal challenge: my battle with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD). This condition profoundly impacted my high school experience, influencing my perspective and shaping the way I approach both opportunities and obstacles. LSCD introduced me to a world of discomfort and uncertainty that I had never anticipated. The journey began with symptoms that disrupted my daily life, from extreme photosensitivity and vision loss to painful eye stinging. These challenges not only affected my physical well-being but also posed emotional and academic hurdles. The simple act of attending classes, participating in extracurriculars, and engaging in social activities became a struggle.
Navigating the complexities of LSCD was a trial in resilience and adaptation. The initial frustration of seeking accurate diagnosis and effective treatment gave way to a determination to overcome the condition’s limitations. The surgical procedure I underwent, scraping dead cells off the surface of my eyes, exemplified the physical discomfort I had to endure. The recovery period, characterized by intense pain and limitations, further tested my patience and inner strength.
Despite the challenges, my journey with LSCD offered me invaluable insights. It taught me to embrace adversity with courage and perseverance to remain steadfast in the face of physical and emotional discomfort. Through this experience, I developed a heightened empathy for others dealing with health-related challenges, fostering my passion for contributing positively to society. Moreover, my journey instilled in me a profound appreciation for life’s simple joys and an unyielding determination to seize opportunities and create a positive impact.
As I look back on my high school career thus far as an incoming senior, my journey with LSCD stands as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to overcome adversity and cultivate resilience. It has inspired me to approach challenges with a proactive mindset and to use my experiences to make a meaningful contribution to the world around me. My journey with LSCD has shaped me into a more compassionate, determined, and driven individual, ready to embrace the next chapter of my life with unwavering courage.
My journey through high school was marked by not only my personal trials with LSCD but also a determined pursuit of entrepreneurship that led me into uncharted territories. Among the various endeavors I embarked upon, one that stood out prominently was my sustainable ecommerce venture. This pursuit was characterized by a series of formidable challenges that not only tested my skills but also shaped my resilience and determination.
Launching an e-commerce business with the mission of contributing to environmental conservation was an exciting yet complex undertaking. The passion for preserving our planet’s natural resources fueled my drive to make a difference. However, from the outset, the road was far from smooth. I encountered a wave of skepticism and dismissive attitudes from various quarters, who believed that a high school student like me couldn’t possibly navigate the intricacies of entrepreneurship.
The most disheartening aspect was the recurring phrase, “You’re just a kid,” echoing in response to my aspirations. These words, rather than dampening my spirits, ignited a fire within me to prove the doubters wrong. Simply because I am a high schooler does not mean I still cannot create positive change in my community. The belief that my age was a limiting factor only served as motivation to work harder, learn more, and show that youth can bring innovation and change to the table.
The challenges I faced extended beyond skepticism. Running the business required a comprehensive understanding of diverse aspects, from website management and logistics to marketing strategies and customer relationships. I was navigating unfamiliar terrain, constantly researching and adapting to rapidly evolving market trends. Upholding ethical and environmental standards further complicated matters, necessitating meticulous attention to detail in sourcing and partnership selection.
The disheartening rejections and moments of self-doubt didn’t deter me. Instead, they propelled me to delve deeper into the world of business. I embraced each challenge as an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. As I grappled with supply chains, market segmentation, and branding, I realized that the challenges were not barriers but pathways to honing my entrepreneurial skills.
My journey was a tale of persistence, determination, and the eventual triumph over obstacles. Despite the hardships, my venture began to gain traction. Through dedicated research and relentless effort, I managed to establish partnerships and collaborations that aligned with my mission. The proudest moment came when I was able to fulfill my goal of planting those trees in Vietnam, allowing me to translate my business ambitions into meaningful environmental impact.
Looking back, my entrepreneurial journey thus far stands as a testament to the power of determination and the ability to surmount challenges. It taught me that the path to success is rarely linear and smooth. Instead, it demands a combination of unwavering belief in oneself, relentless effort, and an openness to learning from setbacks. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned from overcoming skepticism and navigating complexities, reminding me that passion, perseverance, and purpose can turn even the most daunting challenges into steppingstones toward meaningful accomplishment.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am passionate about making a positive impact and leaving a lasting mark on the world around me. Throughout my high school journey, I have immersed myself in a variety of endeavors that reflect my commitment to personal growth, community engagement, and meaningful contributions. What sets me apart from others is my unwavering determination to seize opportunities, even in the face of skepticism and challenges. Whether it’s taking on leadership roles in clubs and organizations, volunteering within my local community, or founding an environmental-focused business, I have consistently demonstrated a willingness to step outside my comfort zone and explore uncharted territories. My experiences have cultivated a unique blend of skills, from organizational leadership and community engagement to strategic thinking and entrepreneurship.
What truly distinguishes me is my ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. The challenges I encountered, be it skepticism about my capabilities or the intricacies of running a business, served as catalysts for growth. I believe in the power of persistence, innovation, and resilience. My journey with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) and the subsequent pursuit of entrepreneurship have shaped my character, instilling in me the belief that one can find strength and wisdom even in the face of adversity.
In essence, I am known and want to continue being known for my commitment to making a meaningful impact in my community, my willingness to overcome obstacles, and my passion for fostering positive change. I am driven by the belief that my journey, experiences, and skills can contribute to a better world. As I look ahead, I am eager to continue pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and using my unique blend of experiences to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Engaging in meaningful collaboration, support, and shared efforts is at the heart of my journey, and I am excited to welcome individuals who share my passions and aspirations to join me in making a positive impact. There are various avenues through which people can work with me, collaborate, or provide their valuable support.
1. Collaborative Conversations: I am a firm believer in the power of open dialogue and the exchange of ideas. I invite anyone who resonates with my passions in environmental conservation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to initiate conversations. Whether you have innovative ideas, insights, or experiences to share, engaging in a collaborative conversation can spark new initiatives and broaden our perspectives.
2. Expertise Sharing: If you possess expertise in areas aligned with my pursuits, I am eager to learn from your experiences. Whether it’s environmental science, sustainable business practices, or community development, your insights can help refine my strategies and enhance the impact of my endeavors.
3. Advocacy and Support: Your advocacy for my causes, such as environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, can be a driving force behind our collective efforts. By advocating for these causes and showing your support, you contribute to amplifying their significance and inspiring more individuals to take action.
4. Collaborative Projects: If you have projects or initiatives that align with my interests, I am open to exploring collaborative opportunities. Whether it’s co-creating solutions, organizing events, or launching campaigns, our combined efforts can generate greater momentum and create a more substantial impact.
5. Mentorship: If you have walked a similar path and can offer mentorship, guidance, or advice, I highly welcome and appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experiences. Mentorship can provide invaluable insights, helping me navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
6. Networking: Introducing me to individuals or organizations that share our passions can lead to fruitful collaborations and partnerships. Networking allows us to tap into a diverse range of resources and connections, expanding our reach and influence.
I emphasize that I am always open to initiating conversations with those who are passionate about making a difference. My journey has shown me the value of collective efforts and the strength that arises from collaboration. Through mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to positive change, we can collectively contribute to a better world.
So, whether you have innovative ideas, expertise, or advocacy for the causes I hold dear, I invite you to reach out. Let’s start a dialogue, explore opportunities, and work together to create lasting change. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, has the potential to make a significant difference in our shared journey toward positive impact.
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