Last week we got the great pleasure of taking our
Year 8 class to see Anh Do The Happiest Refugee Live!
Year 8 English has been studying this text for a few years now and it is one of my favourites. It’s one of those books that makes you laugh and cry and tells a meaningful story that stays with you. On the surface it’s a story of a refugee family from Vietnam but you don’t have to dig deep to find pearls of wisdom and so much heart. This also came out in his live show where it is very clear the love he has for each of his family members, the care he takes to tell their story and the gratitude he has for his country Australia.
One thing that really stood out to me, and I was so glad our Year 8 students were there to hear it, was the theme of his life which drives everything he does. A message to give things a go. “Have a crack, what’s the worse that could happen?” He spoke specifically about failing an assessment in Year 8 and deciding then and there he would not let that define him. He wanted more for his life. He went on to receive 98 in his HSC and finished law school prior to becoming a comedian and entertainer.
This is an inspiring outlook on life and I hope it captured the attention of those in the audience and those who read his book. Anh doesn’t seem afraid of hard work and he takes advantage of opportunities sent his way but also creates his own opportunities as well. There is a lot for us all to learn and take away from his mindset and history. I’m hoping as his book continues to be taught in English it can inspire students to give things a go, to look beyond the classroom and create a life they are proud of living.
People do inspiring things everyday and it’s easy to watch these things happen and then move on. I hope that the inspiring stuff happening in your world is allowing you to dream big. But the most touching and inspirational moments in Anh’s show was his love for people. He recognised the people in his life that made him the man he is today.
He shared the good and the bad. He showed us what it meant to care and live with actions, to forgive freely and openly and how to laugh through tough times. What a wonderful message for all of us to hear. It’s one we discuss regularly at PCS as we teach about the life of Jesus who loved people so much. You don’t have to have to be an adult, have it all worked out or a following on socials to honour where you have come from and respect the people around you. This is something anyone can do. A love for people is a wonderful legacy and an inspiring concept to dedicate your life to! Give it a go, what’s the worse that could happen?
Hollie