Sylva Das
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor

"Though my ideas are still rather foggy and undeveloped, after 12 days here I have found the American people to be very friendly and generous," my grandpa was quoted as saying in a college newspaper soon after his arrival to the United States at age 18. If you met him today, a humble and soft-spoken 85 year-old, you would be surprised to know of the extraordinary life he has led. For so many reasons, my grandpa, Sunil Das, is my inspiring Michigan hero.

His story begins with a dream. Growing up in Malaysia, my grandpa faced some difficult things including bombing during World War II. But, thanks to an American pen pal, he dreamed of an education in an English-speaking country, and with hard work and perseverance, he made his dream a reality. After applying to college in the United States, he boarded a cargo ship not knowing when he would see his family again. It took six treacherous weeks to cross the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean before reaching the United States on St. Patrick’s Day. Imagine leaving your family and everything you’ve ever known and venturing out into the world to start a new life. Imagine arriving in a foreign place called New York City that has skyscrapers and televisions. Imagine managing to board a bus that will take you halfway across America to your long-awaited destination: college!

Once there, my grandpa met my grandma, who had grown up on a small farm in Michigan. After gaining his degree and his American citizenship, they married and decided to make Michigan their home. My grandpa developed a deep appreciation for our beautiful state, from the exquisite land and stunning lakes to the four seasons. He enjoyed visiting my grandma’s family farm, participating in maple sugaring (which has become a family tradition for us, too ) and especially, snow (something he had never experienced as a child!)

My grandpa has always had an interest in getting to know people and helping them out in any way he can, so it was not surprising that he became a doctor. He worked at the University of Michigan hospital as a cardiologist for 37 years. Even though he is retired, he still goes to the hospital to visit friends, friends of friends, people he meets at the market, or anyone else he hears about, to make sure they are receiving the best care possible.

Although he has faced many challenges in his life, my grandpa has persisted with courage, determination, and compassion. Most importantly, he has an unwavering belief in the kindness of people. He has taught me to work hard, to listen to people’s stories, and always find the good in others. He has inspirited me to pursue my dreams and make a positive difference, just like the difference he has made in my world and that of countless others: a difference that started with a dream!