Translated letter 3: From Zhao Changpeng’s child
Dear Judge Jones,
I am writing this letter to you as Zhao Changpeng’s daughter. I am currently a sophomore at New York University, majoring in psychology. I hope to express the profound impact my father has had on my life and reveal the qualities he possesses as a father.
My father has always been someone I respect, admire, and love deeply. He is an excellent father who has given me unconditional love and guidance, and now I hope to be able to give him back.
As a child, I always sat on his shoulders and giggled non-stop, and he supported my weight and made me laugh. I remember every family vacation we took. He would sit on the beach with my brother and me and patiently teach us how to build sand castles together on the beaches of Thailand, the Philippines, Okinawa, China, and many other places.
When I was about 7 or 8 years old, my father, who was also a roller skating enthusiast himself, taught my brother and me how to roller skate. Although we kept falling or tripping, he never yelled at us or gave up teaching us. When he held our hands, the sense of security that a father naturally gives to children emerged naturally, allowing us to completely trust him, even though this activity was full of fear for us. Among other activities, Dad also taught us how to ski and snowboard during this time.
During my teenage years, I had a temper that was short-tempered and irrational. But Dad always took my emotions seriously, talked to me calmly, and guided me in my thinking. One vivid memory is when I was 12 years old and felt overwhelmed by frustration and threw a toy against the wall during a tantrum. Although my mother immediately asked me to go back to my room, my father later approached me and talked to me calmly to help me navigate my emotions. This incident reflects his commitment to understanding and communicating with me even in challenging moments.
Dad was always busy with work. If I were selfish, I would have preferred him to be around more; but the time I spent with him was very happy, and I knew he was also trying his best to make time for me.
Although my parents have been separated since I was in high school, my father continued and always provided support.High school was tough for me. Moving to a new country as a sophomore, I was having trouble keeping up both academically and socially. My mother was a little concerned, so I think she reached out to my dad and asked him to talk to me about my situation. I soon received a message from my dad, who asked how I was doing and gave me advice about school. He made his unwavering commitment to my well-being very clear through his advice and encouragement.
I will never forget the gap semester I spent with him after high school, shadowing him at work, meeting insightful people, and making personal memories as a father and daughter. He made it both fun and expanded my learning opportunities. One particular trip that was both a horizon-opening and bonding experience for us was a trip to Kenya organized by a very successful entrepreneur friend of my dad’s. Dad would normally avoid trips like this, but he took the invitation because of me. On this trip, I met many self-made entrepreneurs and heard their stories as well as my dad’s. Their experiences with their businesses and industries opened my eyes to what the future could hold. It was also a chance for me to ask questions and be a little shadow of them all. Towards the end of the trip, when everyone was asked, “What was the best part of this trip?”, while everyone was talking about this wonderful trip, my dad said something that left me in awe; “I am so grateful for this trip because it gave me the opportunity to spend time with my daughter.” Dad has never been an emotional or expressive person. I am grateful that he was able to express his feelings for me. With this enlightening experience, I was able to witness my dad’s genuine appreciation for the time we spent together.
Even though we don’t see each other often now, distance has not stopped his support and love for me. I am still the little girl who can turn to him when I have boy problems and he always gives me the best advice. I still turn to him when I hit a roadblock with academic or career issues and he offers wise insights into my future.
As a daughter, I implore your Excellency to consider my father’s positive qualities; don’t define my father’s character by just this one incident and consider his entire character.He is a role model and the best father; his values and morals extend far beyond this specific situation, and I am sure he will continue to have a positive impact on my life and the lives of those around him.
Thank you for taking the time and considering my perspective.
Sincerely,
Rachel Zhao
#ChangpengZhao#