Japan and Me
Molly Baum (Longwood High School)
When examining the numerous Japanese philosophies, one particular principle bares greater
significance than the rest. The Japanese people believe in Gaman- a value system that praises self-sacrifice,
selflessness, and especially, forbearance. The idea of forbearance resonates strongly with me because of the
relationship between forbearance, courage, and emotional endurance. Throughout my life, I have
encountered numerous obstacles and seemingly impassable challenges. I have overcome such hurdles only
after discovering an indomitable sense of hope within myself and among my parents.

I was born with arms that end slightly below my elbows, and a spinal cord that lacks certain lower
nerves. Most doctors told my parents that due to my spinal condition, I would not be able to walk. Despite
the immediate devastation they felt due to my lack of hands, they focused on the prevalent issue- ensuring
the functionality of my legs. After numerous grim prognoses, my parents found a doctor with a more
promising prediction. Before I was a year old, the doctor fitted my legs with braces spanning from the
bottoms of my feet to just below my kneecaps. As time progressed, my parents’ perseverance in finding a
solution proved worthwhile. Gradually, I began to walk with the leg braces. During my first two years of
walking, I encountered issues with maintaining balance, but my parents persisted in finding an occupational
therapist that helped me to correct this problem. When I reached an age of comprehension, my parents
recounted to me this first of many struggles. At that point, I realized that my parents never had and never
would stop believing in my abilities. This thought surfaces whenever I want to give up on myself. My
mother and father taught me the forbearance and determination that I use whenever life seems impossible.

I had adjusted to my lack of hands within the first two years of my life, but the less visible medical
issues that followed became increasingly difficult to confront. From the age of three years old, I
encountered a barrage of invasive medical tests, medications, and painful surgeries. From the frightening
days that approached an operation to the following month of recovery, I unknowingly committed myself to
the Gaman philosophy of forbearance. I despised every minute of the fear and the pain, but I knew that my
experiences would increase my emotional endurance and contribute to my character. Due to the support of
my parents and the courage I have acquired, I can triumph over every new obstacle with greater strength
and the wisdom that accompanies experience.

In August of 2007, I will begin my freshman year of college. Although the prospect of independence
and liberation is exciting, I acknowledge that the new environment and lifestyle will be the greatest trial of
my character. College will be frightening and challenging, and its stress combined with the stress of my
physical obstacles will be overwhelming and will sometimes seem insurmountable. However, my parents’
reassurance, their ceaseless faith in my capabilities, and my own perseverance will enable me to adjust to
the changes. Eventually, I will thrive on what was once an obstacle.

While many philosophic ideals seem esoteric and irrelevant to the modern world, the beliefs included
in Gaman are more than relevant to my life. Gaman’s principles of forbearance and character-building have
become essential components of my values. They have enabled me to overcome countless difficulties and
setbacks. Each day may bring a more menacing obstacle, but with Gaman as the foundation of my ideals, I
know that there is no limit to what I can accomplish through determination.

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