We are pleased to announce the winner for our 2025 College Scholarship Essay Contest!!
And the winner is…Aaron Ho
The Winning Essay
“To Heal the Wounds of Silent Cries”
I’ve always been the quiet type; the back-of-the-room and good grades and small-group-of-friends type. But I have a voice and passion and for those who will listen, I have quite the story to tell. My life truly began on April 13, 2010, in a busy orphanage in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China. It’s a sad beginning, but one that has only made me stronger. Unlike many others, I was fortunate enough to be brought into an American family, and given everything, including treatment for a burden so invisible you would never see it in me.
I live life with a rare genetic blood disorder known as Beta Thalassemia Major. It shapes my life in ways many might never understand. It requires blood transfusions every three weeks, and nightly infusions five days a week. I think about my future every day. Every transfusion reminds me of the fragility of life, yet also of the strength I find in those who love and support me. Quoting Amanda Gorman, “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” I have so much love for the people who are brave enough to see the light in me.
Sometimes, it can truly feel like fate has thrown you an unstoppable curveball, putting a crazy and cruel spin on your life. And sometimes, you swing because it’s your only choice. Some might say everything happens for a reason, and as Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So now I share my story and experiences so others can know, learn, and share them too. Speaking my story has brought so much light to my life. I’ve become stronger. I stand straighter. I speak louder. I’m no longer that kid at the back of the classroom, but someone who has faith in the journey and the light it brings.
“To Heal the Wounds of Silent Cries” is a poem I wrote in my junior year at Essex High School:
In the realm where life’s rivers flow, A tale unfolds; whispers of woe.
Beta Thalassemia Major, a quiet plight, In blood’s embrace, shadows alight.
In the marrow’s chamber, a decree untold, Tragedy unveiled, secrets unfold.
Chains unseen bind the dance within, A disrupted symphony, a silent spin.
Through veins, whispers of fate so cruel, Genetic script, an unyielding rule.
Every heartbeat, a melancholy tune, For those who bear this burden, marooned.
In the nucleus, where code resides, Mutation weaves destiny, and hope subsides.
Hemoglobin’s ghost, a delicate chain, Captive to Beta Thalassemia’s silent reign.
Children of blood, innocence betrayed, Fate’s twist, hopes gently swayed.
Tiny warriors in battles unseen, Strength tested where pain convenes.
Transfusions, a somber ritual dance, Life given on borrowed chance.
Needles pierce, lifeblood blends, Hope and despair, in each drop, transcends.
A symphony of sorrow, tears entwined, Resonates through years, fears unconfined.
Yet, resilience blooms in despair’s face, In the eyes of those bearing life’s grace.
Sorrow echoes in hospital halls, Yet, in each heartbeat, a passion calls.
A plea for understanding, compassion to share, For those whose dreams bear a weight, unfair.
Through shadows, a silver lining gleams, Community forged in shared silent screams.
A global embrace, hearts reaching far, For those navigating Thalassemia’s scar.
In life’s tapestry, where threads may fray, Thalassemia’s presence won’t fade away.
Within sadness, strength is found, In unity, in compassion, in love profound.
So let this be a whispered plea, For empathy, awareness, and solidarity.
In sorrow’s face, may compassion rise, To heal the wounds of silent cries.
My poem, “To Heal the Wounds of Silent Cries,” reflects the shared struggles and resilience of the Thalassemia community. The poem is about the strength found in vulnerability, the light in the darkness, and the unspoken solidarity that unites us all. Through these verses, I seek to express the deep impact of this genetic disorder, not only on individuals but also on families and communities around the world.
In the words of Emily Dickinson, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tunes without the words—and never stops at all.” I have my whole life ahead of me, and I have so much to share. Each time I speak about my experiences, I feel empowered to do it again. We can all make a difference. There is hope for every one of us. A hope that we can create a world where every story is heard, every struggle acknowledged, and every triumph celebrated.
As I continue to share my journey, I hold onto the unwavering belief that faith, hope, love, and light are the pillars that sustain us through life’s darkest moments. With faith, we find the strength to endure; with hope, we envision a brighter future; and with love, we connect and uplift one another—never letting go. There is a very real story in all of us. But also, one that is yet to be written. We can all put ink to that paper, if only we’re brave enough to see the light, and to take that shot. If only we sing with strength and hope and never stop. Let us share our stories. Let us be the light, brightening the path for ourselves, those who walk with us, and those who will come after.
AARON HO FAQ…coming soon
1. What school are you attending?
2. What is your major?
3. What plans do you have after you graduate?
4. What are your interests and hobbies?
5. Share whatever you would like about who Aaron Ho is?
Meet Our 2025 College Scholarship Essay Winner AARON HO…coming soon
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