The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXIII
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R. JAMBALDORJ<br />
M. MUNKHDULAM, TEACHER<br />
4th school <strong>of</strong> Uvurkhangai Province, Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia<br />
Greetings! Allow me to share with you my tale <strong>of</strong> courage <strong>and</strong> heritage. I hail<br />
from a lineage deeply intertwined with the spirit <strong>of</strong> the Mongolian steppes,<br />
where my father’s bond with horses echoes the legends <strong>of</strong> our ancestors. His<br />
childhood was spent astride noble steeds, tending to cattle, <strong>and</strong> honing his<br />
equestrian skills. From a young age, he demonstrated a pr<strong>of</strong>ound love for these<br />
majestic creatures, fearlessly tending to their needs, even amidst the most<br />
challenging circumstances. Witnessing his resilience left an indelible mark on<br />
my upbringing.<br />
“IN ESSENCE, MY<br />
BRAVERY IS DEEPLY<br />
ROOTED IN THE<br />
RICH TAPESTRY OF<br />
MONGOLIAN HERITAGE<br />
AND THE ENDURING<br />
BOND BETWEEN<br />
MAN AND HORSE.”<br />
As a child, I would accompany my father on his expeditions, perched atop the<br />
mountains, watching over our flock <strong>of</strong> sheep. <strong>The</strong>se moments, serenaded by<br />
the winds <strong>of</strong> the steppe <strong>and</strong> the rhythmic ho<strong>of</strong>beats <strong>of</strong> our horses, filled me<br />
with an unparalleled sense <strong>of</strong> pride <strong>and</strong> belonging. In those solitary moments,<br />
I felt a pr<strong>of</strong>ound connection to my Mongolian heritage, akin to the legendary<br />
horsemen who once rode alongside Genghis Khan. While tending to our<br />
livestock, I am <strong>of</strong>ten greeted by the sights <strong>and</strong> sounds <strong>of</strong> the wilderness—foxes,<br />
wolves, <strong>and</strong> wild boars traversing the vast expanse <strong>of</strong> the steppe. <strong>The</strong>se<br />
encounters serve as poignant reminders <strong>of</strong> the symbiotic relationship between<br />
man <strong>and</strong> nature, igniting within me a fervent desire to repay the boundless<br />
kindness bestowed upon me by my parents <strong>and</strong> the l<strong>and</strong> itself.<br />
Central to my journey <strong>of</strong> courage is the unwavering support <strong>and</strong> affection <strong>of</strong><br />
my parents. <strong>The</strong>ir nurturing guidance <strong>and</strong> unwavering love have instilled<br />
within me the strength <strong>and</strong> fortitude to navigate life’s challenges with<br />
resilience <strong>and</strong> grace.<br />
In essence, my bravery is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry <strong>of</strong> Mongolian<br />
heritage <strong>and</strong> the enduring bond between man <strong>and</strong> horse. As I embark on my<br />
own journey, I carry with me the legacy <strong>of</strong> my forebears, propelled forward<br />
by the enduring spirit <strong>of</strong> the steppes.<br />
THE COURAGE OF CHILDREN: BOSTON AND BEYOND<br />
VOLUME <strong>XXXIII</strong><br />
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