If you ever feel low, depressed, deprived, have that terrible sinking feeling and you are finding it difficult to rise and face the world, then you should think about Christine Ha. A graduate in Business Management and Finance from the University of Texas, with a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative fiction and non fiction from the University of Houston, a writer, blogger, TV Host, and of course the winner of the third edition of MasterChef America in 2012. A true achiever one would say, but what makes her so special ?, is the question to be asked. And the answer is, Christine Ha is unable to see, she is blind.
Christine was born in 1979 in California, to Vietnamese parents who migrated from Saigon ( present day Ho Chi Minh City ) to America in 1975 and after staying there for a few years the family shifted to Houston Texas. Christine was a normal child merrily going along with her education when tragedy struck. Christine fell ill, with the doctors finding it difficult to understand the problem, but eventually in 2004 Christine was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica. A disorder in which a person’s own immune system attacks the optic nerve and spinal cord. A dreaded disease.
Christine slowly started losing her vision and by 2007 she had turned almost completely blind. A tiny bit of vision which remained was in Christine’s words like “looking at a foggy mirror, after a hot shower “. The situation was extremely depressing. Christine’s world had suddenly turned dark. However with an extremely loving and supporting family by her side Christine tried to shed away the pain and decided to be positive with her life and prove herself. With Food and words being her favourites and modern technology to help her out, she contested the MasterChef competition . Though she started slowly, she picked up her craft and eventually emerged victorious.
Her hallmark performance can be best understood from the comments of the judges reproduced below.
“Midway through this years competition, my money would not have been on Christine for the win – and not just because of her disability – because she just didn’t come across as the typical front runner. With Christine, slow and steady won the race. She subtly climbed her way to the top by performing consistently well, triumphing over her own self doubts, all the while maintaining her signature grace and integrity. It was thrilling to watch. And I can say with absolute confidence there was no one more deserving.” Joe Bastianich, Judge on MasterChef.
“The lady has an extraordinary palate, a palate with incredible finesse. She picks up hot ingredients, touches them, and she thinks about this image on the plate. She has the most disciplined execution on the plate that we’ve ever seen. But the palate is where its just extraordinary. And honestly, I know chefs with Michelin stars that don’t have palates like hers.” Gordon Ramsey, Judge on MasterChef.
Christine has also been awarded the Hellen Keller Personal Achievement Award in 2014. She has authored a culinary book, she has one of the most followed culinary blogs and has been hosting TV shows too. Her journey has been simply incredible.
Set your goals and go for them. Never to be intimidated by adversity. Never to listen to the ones who doubt your abilities. Trust the virtues given by the Almighty and if you fall short of skill never hesitate to learn. Though easier said than done, the goals set by you just cannot be compromised and have to be achieved, is a lesson learnt.
Christine Ha is indeed an astonishing success story. She is an epitome of resolve, self belief and a clear ‘vision’.
Kudos !!
Very motivating 👏 👌
Thank you !