Thanksgiving Reflection: Revisiting the People and Places That Shaped Me
- Shujian Zhang
- Nov 30
- 1 min read
During Thanksgiving break, I took my family to Florida. We visited the professor who has helped me grow as a scientist, and we also saw the elderly couple who welcomed and supported my wife and me when we first came to the U.S. 17 years ago.
I also went back to the campus, the buildings, the paths I used to bike or walk to work, and the apartment complex where we lived for six years. It was already dark, but my wife and I enjoyed seeing these familiar places again. Our kids, though, didn’t really understand why we felt so sentimental.
For me, this trip mattered. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me in my life and career. I hope to teach my kids the same lesson: to recognise and appreciate the people who make a difference in their lives.
As I mentioned in Mind Spark #30 - Remember the Underdog:
No matter how far I go, I never lose sight of the path that got me here.
Take a moment to think about your own journey. What experiences keep you grounded? Reflecting on how you maintain your connection to your roots can enrich your personal growth and inspire others along the way.
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