At Taecole TaeKwonDo & Fitness, we are honored to highlight the journey of one of our graduating seniors, Dylan Hsiu, who has been part of our community since 2013. As he heads to Stony Brook University, we reflect on the incredible growth, leadership, and dedication he’s shown over the past 11 years.
Here’s Dylan’s story, in his own words:
I just moved in from a different town, I was the new kid. I knew nothing about anything, didn’t know about the town, didn’t know about the people, didn’t know anything. However, I did know one thing, it was that my life was going to change. I wanted to do something, and it would definitely be for the better.My parents took me around to find something to do, it was always to quench my curiosity. After countless hours of searching, there it was, Taecole Tae Kwon Do, a place I thought where I could become a ninja. Being new and 7, I thought that if I was a ninja I would rise to fame. As I signed up, I peered into the classes, some of the most intense things I have ever seen. People commenced in synchronized movement, punches piercing through the wind exhibiting power, kicks flying out in grace. It then hit me, what if I couldn’t be like them? It frightened me.
The following days, I walked into class, equipped with my uniform and an intent to learn. I was scared, I didn’t know what to do, but I knew one thing, I was going to become the greatest I have ever been. I learned at an astonishing rate of techniques and skills, but most importantly I felt in place. Something I never felt in all the other activities I did, whether it was swimming, basketball, tennis, or baseball, nothing felt more right than Tae Kwon Do, than Taecole.
I practiced, I progressed, I graduated, I saw as my belt changed colors, from what was once white, now to black. I thought I learned everything there was to it, I was wrong. Just because I was a black belt doesn’t mean that I had learned everything. As I continued on, I learned valuable life skills, from the five aims to achieve to the theories of power. I wanted to learn anything and everything. The curiosity I once had, continues to spark, and if it wasn’t for Taecole, I may have lost that spark. With this spark, I achieved many amazing things, and soon became an instructor, I am glad that I can exhibit those qualities to future students, hoping to light their spark or make them have a good time.
Because of Taecole and Master Messina, I overcame that fear of not being able to achieve my goals. That growth from 7 years old me to now was grueling. But with everything that has happened, starting with my 3rd degree black belt, my optimistic and ambitious dreams, my energetic and bubbly personality that everyone likes, my tournament successes, and the community I have helped grow, I wouldn’t have changed it for anything else. Something I wonder is what that 7 year old boy feared, was it the scary class or an opportunity for growth. Thank you Master Messina and Taecole for allowing me to feel at place for over 11 years.
Dylan, we are incredibly proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished, both on and off the mat. Thank you for your years of dedication and for being such an important part of our Taecole family. We know you’ll do amazing things at Stony Brook and beyond.
Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more of our graduating seniors and their amazing journeys.
