Always move forward

Have you ever wonder why you find the kangaroo on the Australian Coat of Arms? Let me share the story about the different evolutionary journeys of the koala and the kangaroo.

• Adapting to the harsh environment, the koala spends more than 18 hours a day digesting the eucalyptus leaves. The little nutrient in these toxic leaves attracts virtually no competition. The cartilage at the end of the spine of the koala on which it sits all day has already evolved to be absent of any nerve ending.
• Instead, the kangaroo has acquired the ability to leap great distances for food, to the point it has even lost its ability to walk backwards.

Life is full of challenges and difficult decisions. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born a cute and protected koala on top of a eucalyptus tree. I chose the path of the kangaroo more than 20 years ago, which has not been easy. Looking at the Australian Coat of Arms, to which I once made my citizenship pledge, I am reminded of the spirit symbolized by the kangaroo - to be always moving forward - one that shall be passed on to everyone who is struggling with uncertainties and difficulties.