Dad is the first word in my title. This is the 8th year that I enjoyed Father's Day. I am always a dad first, then, a scientist.

Between 2015 and 2017, I failed at many career attempts, from academia to industry. Defeated and demotivated, it was a collective blow to my then ego.

In 2017, I scrambled to work part-time during the first four months after the birth of my daughter Kristen. I became the night shift feeder, fine tuned the sense of mind-reading of the small baby, and perfected in swaddling.

Being a father is by choice. Once made, it is a commitment of lifetime. As a parent, we cannot quit like a job. We trial and error, gather thoughts, improve, and correct along the way.

It turns out that career follows the same mindsets.

In late 2017, I set aside my ego and started on whatever work and side hustles I can find, watch online causes on Lynda.com (later became LinkedIn Learning), polish my resume, and practice public speaking on any spare time.

Negativity starts to fade over time. The reality was still barren. But I knew it will get better.

In 2022, my daughter and I choose June 30th and named it Kristen Daddy Day. A day that holds us together and we celebrate. It is always during summer break and we embark on trips to different states ever since. This life journey will shine through me for all the future times.

Happy Father's Day to my dad, all other dads, and myself. Only by being a dad would I realize the delicate role I play in my daughter's life and how a persistent, dependable, and assertive dad will shape my life and career forever.