A Legacy Built on Faith and Hard Work

When I reflect on my journey and the path my family has taken, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. I come from a family where excellence was not just a goal, but a way of life. My parents were both firm believers in the power of faith and hard work, and they instilled those values in me and my six siblings from a young age. My father was a preacher, a man who taught us to lean on God for guidance and to never shy away from hard work, no matter how difficult the task might seem.

Growing up in a large family, I witnessed firsthand how faith and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes. We didn’t have a lot of material wealth, but what we did have was a deep sense of purpose and an understanding that with God’s guidance and a commitment to education, we could achieve anything. Each of my siblings and I knew that we were expected to do our best in school, work hard, and push through challenges, but we also knew that we could count on one another and the strength of our faith to get us through the tough times.

That unwavering belief in ourselves and our potential became the foundation of everything we would go on to achieve. The fruits of that labor are evident in my family’s story. We are a family of doctors, lawyers, dentists, and chiropractors, all of whom have followed our own paths of excellence, but we’ve never lost sight of the values that guided us along the way.

A Commitment to Education

Education has always been at the heart of our family’s story. From a young age, it was clear that academic success wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected. I was the first male child in my family, but I never felt the pressure of that title as a burden. Instead, I felt a responsibility to lead by example, to show my younger siblings that through dedication and perseverance, we could all accomplish great things.

I excelled in school, becoming the valedictorian of my high school class, which was a major milestone for me and my family. But that was just the beginning. After graduating from Oakwood Academy in 1970, I went on to study at Oakwood University in the fields of chemistry and biology. There, I graduated cum laude, receiving top honors and even a scholarship to study French. In addition, I was awarded the prestigious physics award, the highest scholastic honor in that field. These were not just accolades—they were proof of the foundation my parents had laid for me, a foundation rooted in hard work, discipline, and a belief in my ability to succeed.

From Oakwood University, I made the decision to continue my studies at Loma Linda University Medical School, where I graduated in just three years in an accelerated program. It was during this time that I learned what it meant to truly push myself beyond my limits. And after completing my medical education, I went on to finish residency training in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Along the way, I knew that my journey was not just about personal achievement, but about making a difference in the lives of others—something that had always been a cornerstone of my family’s values.

The Importance of Family Support

While education and hard work were key to our success, they wouldn’t have been enough without the support of our family. My siblings and I pushed each other to be better, constantly motivating one another and providing a solid network of encouragement and love. Even now, we continue to share our triumphs and challenges, rooting for one another as we move forward in our individual careers and personal lives.

This sense of unity is something I deeply cherish. Throughout my medical career, I have often found myself reflecting on the role my family played in shaping who I am today. Their support, both in my personal life and in my career, has been a source of strength. They were the first ones to celebrate my successes, but they were also the ones who helped pick me up during moments of doubt.

It’s not just about academic excellence; it’s about building a foundation of love, respect, and shared purpose. Our family’s commitment to education is rooted in a belief that knowledge is power, but it is also tempered by a deep sense of humility and a desire to serve others. My siblings and I have all gone on to serve our communities in different ways, whether through healthcare, law, or education, but the underlying message is the same: excellence is not for personal glory—it’s for the greater good.

Building a Legacy of Service and Leadership

As I’ve moved through my career, I’ve had the privilege of creating a practice in Orange County, California, and eventually launching a law firm with my wife. But even with these professional milestones, I have always kept in mind the greater mission that has guided me: service to others. That’s why I founded Global Healing Inc., an organization dedicated to providing medical care and humanitarian support to underserved populations around the world.

When I think about the future, I think about how my family’s legacy will continue to shape the next generation. I’ve watched my sons, who are now pursuing careers in pre-law and pre-med, step into their own roles as leaders and problem solvers. Like their mother and me, they’ve been raised to understand that success is not just about individual achievement, but about using your talents and resources to lift up others. I see in them the same values of faith, grit, and academic excellence that my parents instilled in me.

Faith, Family, and the Future

In the end, what stands out most about my family’s story is not just the accomplishments, but the values that guided those accomplishments. Faith, hard work, and the pursuit of knowledge have been our guiding lights, and they will continue to be the foundation for generations to come. Excellence is not a destination—it’s a journey. It’s a journey that requires continuous growth, a willingness to face challenges, and the resolve to overcome them.

Looking back on my own life and the path my family has walked, I am filled with pride, not just for our academic and professional achievements, but for the way we’ve held true to our values. It’s a legacy that I will continue to honor, and one that I hope my children and grandchildren will carry forward with the same dedication, faith, and grit that has defined our family for generations.