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by Misun Choi |
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ISALC, Lewis and Clark College
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by Misun Choi |
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Have you ever won a prize in a lottery? Have you ever won any prize at all? When you buy a lottery ticket, you expect or at least hope to be a winner. When you are nominated for an award, you naturally expect or hope to be the winner. "Empty your mind." If you really desire to win a lottery or get a prize or award, empty your mind. It means, "DO NOT COVET." When you don't covet, good luck will come 'round your door. I have an experience that taught this; when I was young, I heard these words. At that time, I couldn't understand what they meant, but now I can understand.
Five years ago, I got a new job. Before I got it, I had worked at a hotel. When I got the new job, my parents immigrated to the United States, so I lived alone in Korea. I was lonely, but was excited by my new job. My new job was as a waitress for an American style casual restaurant, "Bennigan's," which is franchised from a company in the United States. I was interested and refreshed because I had worked at the hotel for two years, and it was boring because the atmosphere was very correct in observance of formalities. My new job in the casual style restaurant was full of energy and vibrant. I was doing well; all was going very smoothly and successfully for one year. Suddenly, I was faced with a slump and I felt lonely. I was depressed and missed my family very much. I lost motivation and confidence about everything. However, at that moment, I was nominated as the "Employee of the Year" by my company. I didn't expect to win at all because only one person of many employees who worked at the restaurant could receive it. I forgot about the prize and also that I had been nominated for it.
About two months later, my supervisor told me that I should attend some celebration that was being held by my company the following day, Nobody told me what would happen there. All the employees had a nice dinner at the hotel, and then we had a celebration of the New Year. Until that time, I supposed that the reason for attending the gathering was just to congratulate someone for an achievement or celebrate the New Year. After dinner there was a ceremony, and I was clapping my hands in applause for someone who had gotten an award. Then, to my surprise, I heard my name. "Employee of the Year" is Misun Choi. I couldn't believe my ears and my heart was too full for me to speak a word. My voice was shaking with excitement. Actually, I can't remember what I said, I just remember everyone was very sincere and congratulated me for my award. As part of my award, a couple of months later, I was able to travel on an incentive tour to the United States, so I came to the States for the first time.
When I came to the United States, I saw and felt many things. I was impressed by huge land, clear environment and kind people. The most important event was meeting my family. Everything was exciting and joyful during the whole journey. After I went back to Korea, I worked hard again and changed my life.
Winning the Employee the Year award was the momentum that changed my life. When I was depressed, the reason that I could pull myself out of the slump was the prize. When I had a slump, I endeavored to get out of it. At that moment, fortunately I got the prize. Taking this opportunity, I decided to learn English and American culture. If you work hard without coveting, good luck will come 'round your door.
Created by: krauss@lclark.edu
Updated: 9/24/99