This powerful TED Talk tells the story of a family's harrowing escape from Vietnam and the generational impact of choosing to carry hope, hard work, and compassion instead of fear and defeat. Blending personal narrative with reflection, the speaker challenges us to consider what we carry, and how those choices shape our lives and the lives of others. Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer isn't just your Dr. USA 2023 pageant queen, she's a powerhouse of passion and purpose. Alongside her amazing husband and their trio of lively boys, she embodies the essence of the American dream. It's a legacy she inherited from her parents who, despite escaping war-torn Vietnam with barely anything, clung to hope to aspire to live the American dream. They found kindness in volunteers who housed them and drove them to interviews, so that they could succeed in life. Inspired by their journey, Dr. Bekah started a volunteer organization in 2018, "Strong Women Helping Others" to pay that kindness forward. Dr. Bekah strives for excellence in all that she does from earning a full academic scholarship at The Ohio State University, then skipped a year of undergrad and received early admissions into Dental school which is a difficult feat, to clinching the 2024 Top Dentist Award and twice becoming the International Speech Champion, Dr. Bekah's credentials shine brightly. She also has received two gold medals for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for all her volunteer work to help the marginalized. She is a public speaker, triathlete and social media influencer. Yet, amid these accolades, her true fulfillment comes from extending a hand to those in need. It's not just about the titles; it's about making a tangible difference in her community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx