Describe a person you admire.

Someone I really admire is my grandfather on my mother’s side, whose name is Minh. He’s in his late seventies now, but he’s still incredibly sharp and energetic. I basically grew up with him because my parents were working long hours, so I spent most afternoons at his house after school, listening to his stories and just hanging around with him.

I first got to know him properly when I was about six or seven and started asking questions about his life. That’s when he started opening up about his childhood in a tiny village, the hardships he went through, and how he gradually built a stable life for the family. Over time, as I got older, our relationship shifted from a simple grandparent–grandchild bond to something closer to friendship and mentorship.

In terms of qualities, what really stands out is his perseverance. He’s incredibly determined, almost stubborn in the best possible way. He’s also remarkably open-minded for his age; he’s always curious about new technology and different viewpoints instead of just dismissing them. On top of that, he has a very calm, reassuring presence. Even in stressful situations, he manages to stay composed and think things through logically rather than reacting impulsively.

I admire him because he lives out the values he talks about. For example, he always says, “If you make a promise, you keep it,” and I’ve never once seen him go back on his word. That kind of integrity is rare. He’s also had his fair share of failures, but instead of becoming bitter, he’s become wiser and more compassionate. To be honest, when I’m faced with a difficult decision, I often ask myself, “What would Grandpa Minh do?” and that helps guide me in the right direction.