From a Button to Explorer

“Mom, are you sure this is a baby? It’s just a Button-no arms, no legs.”

My sister named me “Button” after my first ultrasound. My grandmother, unable to pronounce it, shortened it to “Tin.” Following Chinese tradition, my nickname doubled into “TinTin.” Over time, “TinTin” became the bell my mother rang whenever she worried. In answering, I discovered who TinTin truly was.

“TinTin, what’s the difference between rare and rear? Why can’t I tell chicken from kitchen?”

I became my mother’s tutor, guiding her through English as she guided me through life.

“TinTin, quit piano. You won’t win first prize anyway!”

I don’t play to win. I play because music expresses what words cannot. 

“TinTin, practice old math contests so you can win.”

I know it but exploring the unknown excited me more than rehearsing solutions. 

“TinTin, stop tutoring ASVAB—it took too much time!”

After my first student called me and said, “Sir, I passed!” I knew I couldn’t turn away from the chance to change lives through sharing my knowledge.

“TinTin, are you sure you can take eight AP exams?”

It meant long nights and possible failure. But for me, it was never about protecting a GPA. It was about chasing curiosity wherever it led. Pushing through late night lectures was never for a resume line, curiosity never stops at “enough”.

“TinTin, choose a safe, well-paid major, not math.”

But TinTin wants to pursue meaning in life, not just a paycheck.

At every crossroad, the bells will keep ringing:” TinTin, you can’t make it.” My answer will stay the same: I will try. If I fail, I will learn. If I succeed, I will grow.

From a Button to Explorer, I have found my compass: curiosity and courage!