A proud, tearful dad gave an emotional speech to his son before he headed off to his first day of college, also starting a family tradition by presenting him with a significant chess piece.
Nassor Ashenafi, 19, from Charlotte, North Carolina, was set to leave home for Western Carolina University, where he had been given the opportunity to play football and get an education.
Proud dad Amenemhet, 49, was saying goodbye to his son on June 29, when he started to give an impassioned speech about how his family would always be there for him and to remember his roots.
But Amenemhet’s biggest advice, which he had always instilled into his son, was never to react too fast when something gets hard and always to consider the next move.
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The statement was rooted in the 49-year-old’s love of chess, and while giving his speech, Amenemhet then pulled out a king chess piece, which he presented to Nassor, who was visibly emotional himself.
Fighting back tears, Amenemhet told his son that he should think like a king and that if things get tough, he should know that he always has a move.
“This is your king… which means protect yourself,” Amenemhet added, before breaking down sobbing and saying that he knew he had pushed his son, but it was to get him to this spot of going to college.
The totally raw, unscripted moment took Amenemhet’s wife, Vakisla, completely by surprise, but she managed to take out her phone to capture part of the emotional speech, which she later shared on TikTok.
The post soon went viral, receiving more than one hundred thousand likes.
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Vakisla said: “I recorded the video when I was actually getting in the car as we were leaving, and I realized what was going on.
“I just started recording; I had chills listening and watching this moment.
“I knew that this was special.
“I didn’t even tell Dad I recorded the video until we were halfway home.
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“My son’s reaction was amazing – you could see the love and appreciation he has for Dad, as they were both shedding tears… Dad a bit more.
“When our friends and family saw the video, they had the same emotional reaction – especially those who just understood the journey and that the road paved wasn’t easy.
“They all sent us encouraging messages.”
