Thank You, Mr. Toriyama

Today, a Japanese man named Akira Toriyama, who had a major impact on my life— and the lives of millions of other guys— passed away. The characters he created have become a part of who I am today. He taught me how to persevere, to always challenge myself to be growing in strength, both physically and emotionally, and to always maintain a sense of levity, even in the most serious situations. His stories taught me to push past my own limitations, to fight for what is right, and to take responsibility rather than complaining about my circumstances. No amount of personal development will ever replace the foundation that I learned from Goku and his friends as a young boy who knew he was destined for something greater than the toxic environment he was growing up in. Thank you, Mr. Toriyama.