Dear Mr. Fariborz,
Out of the 21 years of my life, 17 years were spent in a sacred haven known to me as, Team Karate Centers – and my heart has forever remained on the mat.
Time and time again, I have encountered how TKCs principals have permeated through my personal, academic, and social encounters, and have helped me rise against challenges and succeed. As I now approach the end of my undergraduate career, I face having to make the decision of a career path. This quarter, I have had the opportunity to intern in Washington DC through a program from school. I am a Public Affairs Intern in the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, in the Office of Public Engagement. It has truly been a unique experience learning and being inspired day in and day out as well as working on projects to engage stakeholders in enrolling through the Small Business Health Options Program, which is under the Affordable Care Act.
Less than a month ago I was given a project to work on, yet I was at a stump for about four days on how I could go about revamping the work I was given. On the fifth day, an image clouded my mind. There were dots on a white board and your voice asking us to connect them together. When no one came up with an answer, you said, “Think outside of the box.” And that is exactly what I did for this project!
The lesson I learned from you, at the age of 15 in a martial arts studio in Woodland Hills, I was able to put into practice here in the Federal Government. After its submission to my director, I was given great feedback and the opportunity to continue as a paid intern. Hence, the studies I have learned at TKC have now filtered into my professional life as well.
I am grateful that I was able to be a student at TKC early in my life and that I have had the gift of learning from you.
I look forward to reconnecting in the near future!
Much love,