You want something personal?  Here’s someone who has directly shaped my values and enthusiasm in doing good for the Chinese- and Asian-American community.  My grandfather was recently honored by the Asian Health Services, and this tribute video outlines his career as a doctor and activist.  I’m not about to graduate college three years ago or become President of the California Medical Association, but I look to the issues he and my family faced and the way they enacted positive change in the community as a chip on my shoulder.  What I do now is ultimately less consequential than what is possible in the real world, but I take my own work and call to improve the lives of Asian Americans in my community seriously.  I don’t look to go the same route as my grandfather, but I sincerely hope and plan to make an impact all the same.  Besides, I need not look far for a role model.
the video is gone, and i’d like to think it left with him.
i love you, grandpa.