Before I was born, my grandfather made a choice that changed everything for our family. He immigrated to this country with the hope that life could look different for those who came after him.

Starting over wasn’t easy. It meant leaving behind what was familiar and building something from nothing. He took on that risk so his family wouldn’t have to start from the same place.

Because of that decision, I didn’t have to begin at zero. My family was able to keep moving forward instead of starting over. The opportunities we have today are directly connected to the laps he ran before we ever had the chance to run our own.

I think about that often. Carrying our family name means honoring the work he did and continuing to move forward with intention. My hope is that the laps I run make it a little easier for the next generation to start closer than I did.