Rooting for Human Exceptionality
By Allen Wong, DDS, EdD
Both my parents immigrated from China with no education and no real job skills. They traveled far away to a land where they had difficulty communicating. They did not speak a word of English and the Chinese language dialect they spoke was foreign to the local Chinese.
My father was a teenager who was sponsored by his own father but, within a couple weeks, got kicked out of the house. My father was on his own. He struggled to find a job that did not require education nor speaking. So, he became a dishwasher. In San Francisco’s Chinatown, with all its Chinese restaurants, he worked hard so he could save money. He slept in the alleys, using the night’s tablecloths as blankets until he could afford a room. He would carefully watch the sous chef and chefs cook while learning the new dialect of the Chinese language. He found the importance of networking, finding mentors, and being observant. These all would pay off. Eventually, he earned enough to marry my mother, and they continued to help each other learn the English language and, of course, the American lifestyle.
My mother, in a similar manner, worked hard as a waitress while practicing her English.
After several years of saving, she and my father took the chance of buying a restaurant in a suburb. It wasn’t long before they ended up going bankrupt. That didn’t stop my parents, who worked a few more years as employees for other people, who then saved enough to buy another business, a grocery store - that also failed.
They persevered, working and saving to buy another restaurant several years later. They set their sights on the American Dream and through the grace of God, that family restaurant finally succeeded! I remember the long hours and trials where our family nurtured the restaurant like a baby.
A strong belief in themselves kept my parents focused and determined. They were excellent self-made cooks who used quality products and understood the importance of great taste and good value. The business grew, which allowed my brother and me to pursue our own dreams of attending college. My parents believed that education was the key to future happiness, stability, improving lives, and the community.
I learned many lessons from my parents’ journey through life. A positive attitude, self-belief, constant self-improvement, learning from mistakes, working together, the importance of friends and mentors, humility, being grateful, and giving back to the community.
Choosing the Path Less Traveled
In many ways, we are all on a journey. As I started my career in dentistry, I did not realize the unexpected wonders I would find. It is true that the path less traveled is full of surprises and adventure, which is what I chose. At first, I thought I was alone in that path of taking care of individuals with special healthcare needs. I also was frustrated that others could not see the joy in taking care of a most neglected population.
My journey with the American Academy of Dental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) has brought me experiences, friends, and mentors beyond my wildest dreams. I have found the most exceptional people with the biggest hearts that resonate with my ideals. They have supported, encouraged and educated me on becoming a better person and advocate. We share, celebrate and seek collaborations for a better healthcare system for equitable quality healthcare.
Our New Journal
HELEN: The Journal of Human Exceptionality is dedicated to the spirit of a pioneer of courage and determination. Helen Keller was exceptional; someone who lost the ability to hear and see at a very young age, but would eventually teach generation after generation of people to overcome significant barriers and accomplish great things in life. Her determination, much like my parents’, is nothing short of inspirational.
We look forward to reaching out to others to share their own stories or be inspired. Join us in helping lift spirits and celebrating human exceptionality!
About the Author
Allen Wong, DDS, EdD, DABSCD is a professor and the director of the Dugoni School of Dentistry AEGD and Hospital Dentistry program in the San Francisco area, and is the Global Clinical Advisor to the Special Olympics Special Smiles. He is current president of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) and Publisher of HELEN: The Journal of Human Exceptionality.