Reading Vocabulary 4 – Writing Assignment – The Joy Luck Club
Markane Sipraseuth
Reading Vocabulary 4 – Writing Assignment
May 23, 2012
“My mother believed you could be anything you wanted to be in America” p.68
Fall Down Seven Times Stand Up Eight
When I was a student at the University of Washington (UW) I was a director in the student
government and I had an enormous dream of creating a leadership class, however I needed a lot of
money. First, I went to talk to Kelly, the lady who gave all the money to different programs. Before, I had
sent her my application for creating a leadership class and now I was waiting in her office patiently for
her answer. Within a couple of minutes she criticized my idea and said, “No, I don’t believe you can do it.
I won’t give you the money.” I was furious I couldn’t receive the money. This was my dream to make a
leadership class and I knew it was important for all the different student clubs to have this class. A
couple days passed and I was in misery and was losing confidence in my dream. Then one day after
playing basketball at the gym facility I met the Vice President of Finance at the UW, Wheldon. We had
met on a trip to Italy through my English class. I remembered Wheldon as a wise and kind elderly man
and him telling me in Italy, “If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to ask.” So I knew it was my
chance! I nervously approached Wheldon who was full of sweat after playing racquetball. I asked
Wheldon, “Do you remember me? I met you in Italy, I need your help.” To my relief Wheldon
remembered me and told me to contact him by email. A couple days later, I came back to Kelly’s office.
She murmured that the money for my leadership program was ready. In the end, I could complete my
dream of creating a leadership class. The leadership class has grown and has been a success at UW for
over ten years now. I learned it was my mother who always believed in me, and taught me I can do
anything, “Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it.” she always said. Even though my mother passed away
when I came back from Japan I always treasure her necklace she gave to me as a symbol of what I am
worth and to always believe in your dreams.