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Cuong Nguyen

Autobiographical Memoir

May 16, 2020

The Missed Chance

For many years now, I have contemplated going public especially disclosing to

my parents why I feel I missed such a great opportunity in my life. I grew up in a middle-

class family and as usual for son, there is a constant push to get everything right and

pursue the goal of becoming a great man in the future. Heavy expectations lay on my

shoulders as my father always talked to me asking me to remain focused in school so that

I would secure good grades and be able to join the college to pursue one of the top careers

in the world. As my father always put it in a confident voice, “Your mother and I have

great expectations in you. We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that you

have all you need to get an education and become someone great tomorrow. Please don’t

fail us.” He usually repeatedly used this sentence most of the time we had a meal together

at the dining. This piece of advice from a man I have personally witnessed fight through

difficult times and succeed denied me a piece as I tried to come up with a plan to what

path my life should take.

I was in a big dilemma because I knew that it would be difficult for my parents

to understand if ever tried to disclose my love for football to them and maybe announce

that I would want to become a professional footballer. I was convinced that it would be

the first disappointment and shock that my parents get from me and I kept postponing the

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decision to disclose this information. My inner voice convinced me to build courage and

stand up for my dream but I did not have courage. I believed that I had a commitment to

achieve and that failing to pursue a career build on academics would through me in a

rough path filled with uncertainty. I did not have anyone in my family or locality who

had successfully pursued a football career and it would be difficult to convince my

parents that I would be the first to excel in this noble filed.

As years passed, I found myself playing on different levels and even reaching the

district level several times. However, even though I explained to my parents my

excellence in football, they merely commented that “You are multitalented son, don’t

forget we still need you to make us proud in school”. This killed my aspiration and I

worked towards ensuring that I also got good results in my exams. Along the way, the

dream of a young professional footballer was extinguished and slowly thrown into the

past.

I believe I carry owe the blame for this missed opportunity. I certainly believe

that I would have opened a greater future with my football career. I regret every time I

meet the boys, we played within the district level and who have transformed into well-

known professional footballers. Several times I tried to relaunch my football dream but

it could not take off given the years I have spent away from the field and deep into books.

I have learned to accept the fate of my lack of confidence and embrace my new path in

life. This missed opportunity haunts me every day.