There is one person for everyone that walks into your life and changes everything, and that person will forever be a part of you. Dr. Rick Hodes is that person for me. Ever since our first encounter, he has been the biggest supporter of my dreams and the savior of my life. I would not have come this far if it were not for him. Looking back now, I think that he was a guardian angel sent to me by God. I owe my life and all my achievements so far to him.
Of the countless things he did for me, I would say the most significant one was the fact that he never gave up on me when it seemed like my chances of survival were very slim. He then took a chance on me and opened many life-changing opportunities for me. He took me into his home and raised me as one of his own. For 8 years! He became the family I never had. He changed my fate of dropping out of school and waiting on death bed by saving my life and getting me into a good school in Addis Ababa.
Just like an electronic device would function very well when it gets an upgrade, I was able to turn my life around completely, because of him. He inspired me to be a better version of myself and go all the way in life, despite the obstacles I tend to face. He made me believe in miracles.
Our first meeting was an extraordinary event. We met while we were crossing the streets on my way back to my hometown, after the doctors told me I had no chance of surviving.
I truly understand the value of humanity because of him. One of the things I like about myself is the fact that I get more pleasure in helping those in need than helping myself. I learned this valuable trait from Dr. Rick. I could go on about the list of things that Dr. Hodes did for me, but I do not think I will be able to stop.
They say you cannot change the world, but you can change someone’s world. Indeed, Dr. Rick has changed my world. What I will say instead is that Dr. Rick was the strong wheel that got me through the heavy trucks of life and pushed me to become the person I am today.
Currently, I am a junior at Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, Oklahoma), majoring in computer science and minoring in information systems. Regardless of where life takes me, I want to be a good person. I know one thing that makes me happy in the future is helping others. I want to leave my fingerprint. I am contemplating following in his footsteps. I want to continue his legacy by doing for others what he did for me.
~ Zemenework Tiget
