Eric Hui
This is MY Life.
“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.”
-Charles
Dickens, in David Copperfield
I
have always been a strong believer in the human ability to rationalize, and it
is the results of our choices that directly or indirectly affect the outcome of
events. My outlook on life is that man’s existence is defined by his or her interaction
with society, whether positive or negative. I believe humans are genuinely good
and moral people, but negative pressures that stem from competition and greed impair
these rational decision-making functions. These social pressures corrupt
individuals and explain the presence of the suffering and evil that exist in
the world today.
This
being said, I hope to lead a life of compassion geared to decreasing suffering
and encouraging others to make rational choices. Regardless of where I am in my
pilgrimage, I intend for every step of my life journey to be rooted in my
conviction to make society better. My passion for compassion developed as a result
of my experiences in life thus far. From the time I was small and heard my
mother’s childhood stories about the suffering and poverty she faced in Hong
Kong to the time I worked with the less fortunate when I built a Habitat for
Humanity house, I hope to dedicate my life to ridding the world of suffering
because of the rich-poor gap. Every individual makes their own rational choices,
and together our individual choices have the power to change the lives of each
other. If we all channel our energy and effort to promote human rights equality
and subsistence, we can create a world without unnecessary suffering and death.
My goals is to serve as a beacon by living a life devoted to empowering
citizens of the world with the responsibility to give the world’s poor the
basics necessary for life. For me, employing my love for business is the only
way I can achieve this goal.
Before
I discovered this passion, I was solely interested in business with the intent
on making money. I enjoy all things business, from planning events in high
school to communicating with corporate executives with the Undergraduate
Business Council. Throughout high school, I knew I wanted to be a businessman,
but I had not yet developed my life goals or discovered my passion in life.
When I graduated from high school, I easily choose to attend The University of
Texas at
With
my realization, I know that showing compassion to others is extremely rewarding
because of the human connection that stimulates a concept of unity. I know that
my life will be fulfilling if I choose to apply my interest in business to my
passion for humanity. I “[realize] whatever [I] take joy in doesn’t make [me]
feel tired. [I] can carry on much longer with an activity that is satisfying
and gives [me] joy.”[2] As
I explored my career options, I knew I found joy in both helping others and
dealing with business. I soon discovered my similarities with Bill Gates. As
the wealthiest man in the world, Bill Gates has dedicated himself and his
fortune to providing healthcare in underdeveloped countries and to increasing
literacy and equality globally. As my role model, Bill Gates has demonstrated
the power one can have to significantly change people’s lives by simply making
rational choices. Gates has channeled his power and money to encourage others
in the business industry to dedicate their lives to eradicate poverty, and I
want to continue in his foot steps in initiating compassion from the business
world. By choosing to devote my life to giving the underprivileged access to
food, healthcare, and education, I hope to leave a legacy and spur others to
join me in the revolution to combat poverty.
Everyone
has the ability to make their own choices, and often times, individuals choose the
easier route and pursue life goals that only help themselves. Some people hope 
to
become lawyers, doctors, CEOs, or celebrities with only one thing in
mind—money. However, I differ from the masses because I want to dedicate my
life to help others by ridding the world of unnecessary poverty. Everyday, thousands
of voiceless humans die of preventable disease because of the lack of
healthcare. By denying these people the basic human right to life, we are tacitly
denying their rationality and in effect, denying their humanity. In choosing to
dedicate myself to such a cause, I feel my life would be both satisfying and
rewarding. The feeling of complete joy and inspiration that comes from helping
improve the lives of others cannot be bought by any dollar amount. For me, I embrace
my passion and hope to improve society. “The modern individual who dares to
heed the call…, cannot, indeed must not, wait for his community to cast off its
slough of pride, fear, rationalized avarice, and sanctified misunderstanding…
It is not society that is to guide and save the creative hero, but precisely
the reverse.”[3] It is
not my goal to be the poster child for saving the world, but I hope to be a
leader in improving access to healthcare and medicines in lesser developed
countries. Passively waiting for governmental leaders and society to take
action will do nothing to save people from dying from preventable diseases. I
hope to apply the skills I learn at the McCombs School of Business to negotiate
with business leaders and urge others to take action against the injustices the
poor face because of economic inequality. I ultimately hope that my actions
while I am alive will turn into a legacy that will spur others to action. My
goal is to go to bed each day knowing I’ve made rational choices that have
helped improve the lives of others.
My
view for the future of humanity is optimistic. In promoting access to vaccines,
life-saving drugs, sanitation, and basic nutrition, I feel that society will be
a better place. With hard work, I will be able to accomplish my goals in
championing equality. I know that some day, some how, I will begin to change
the world, one 
person
at a time. Whether through grassroots awareness campaigns as an undergraduate
to doing consulting for nonprofits such as OxFam or UnitedWay, I hope to play
an influential role in moving the course of humanity in the right direction. In
a society that lives off instant gratification, I know the fight against social
and economic injustice will be slow and hard going, but I believe that once
enough people join the campaign against poverty, a snowball effect is imminent.
It is my vision to be a catalyst for a world revolution against economic inequality.
In combining my love for business with my passion for compassion, I know I have
made the right decision to follow in the footsteps of Bill Gates and strive to create
a society based on equality. I hope that even after I die, my vision for a more
perfect and peaceful world will live on.
Though I cannot force others to join
me in my fight against suffering, I can hope to use my life as an example for
others. As I mature and better understand my purpose, I know I will be able to
follow my passion and help others discover their passion. Each person has the
potential to change the world, and I feel through our rational choices, we can
elect to be compassionate individuals and create a society that gives all individuals
equal rights to life. For me, regardless of how I end up using my degrees after
I graduate, I know this is my life to live and it is my job to make the most
out of it.
Word Count: 1,429
Quotes Count: 100
Count without Quotes: 1,329
DB Word Count: 4,383
Photo
Citations
1. Rationality-
www.annekaringlass.com/04468%20Decision%20copy%203.jpg
2. Globe-
employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/Images/Ambassadors/globe.jpg
3. Business men-
www.rbws4me.com/images/business-man-sitting.jpg
4. Bill Gates-
www.smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1064082924871_2003/09/22/bill_gates_malaria,0.jpg
5. Healthcare- www.gkbassociates.com/images/healthcare.jpg
6. Healthcare in
7. Hands lifting Globe-
mitsloan.mit.edu/imgs/newsroom/netimpact05.jpg
8. Celebrating Success-
www.winemark.com/charity%20launch1.jpg
9. Small Child- www.uspg.org.uk/give/g_lib/legac.jpg