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Nguyen 1

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 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.