Will Lukang, CLDC, PMP, CSM, MASCL

Do you have someone in your life that you look up to?  Someone you like to emulate and who inspires you to pursue things you otherwise would think you’re not capable of achieving.  This person could be your role model or just someone who has touched a lot of people’s lives.

I’m fortunate to have this experience.    The person I’m referring to is my cousin Dr. Domingo Lu Chiu, Jr.   I still remember like it was yesterday that when we used to visit my uncle and aunt,  I would run upstairs to his bedroom to talk to him.   Back then he was in college studying pre-med while I was in elementary school.   I would ask him questions about what he was studying or doing.  He was very diligent and dedicated to becoming a doctor.    When he graduated, I remember that he would often help people who were in need or unable to pay to see a doctor.

As I moved on from high school through college, our family had a falling out and we saw each other far less in between.   But I still remember those times in which I interacted with him.    His passion for helping others and compassion for others are what I remember the most.

As I move up the management ranks, I’m often reminded that I need to take interest in others and take the time to coach and mentor others.  Developing talent became important to me and to this day I still ensure that, while I help the company achieve its goal, I make sure that the folks on my team learn new things, grow and develop.    As I look back, I’m thankful for the opportunity to have spent time with my cousin when I was growing up.   He definitely impressed upon me that helping others is a cornerstone for how we can make this place a better place.

Earlier this year, he was struck by a car while he stopped and crossed the street to pick up a cat (still alive) that was run over by a car.   In my mind, most people would not pick up a cat that was run over by a car, but because he was compassionate and cared a lot about any living creature, he stopped and did what he felt was the right thing to do.   As a result, he lost his life doing it.   I’m saddened by the news and still reminded of his passion for helping others.   He will forever be missed and I will remember his act of kindness for the rest of my life.    His act of kindness served as reminder for me to help others grow and develop.    In many respects, what I do has no comparison to what my cousin did, but he made an impact in my life by instilling the concept of human compassion and leading by example.   He will be missed, but will never be forgotten.