One of the greatest joys of someone who teaches others is to watch those they guide mature into the person they had the potential to become. Having known and worked with Emily for over a decade as an advisor, teacher, colleague, and friend, it is such a joy and blessing to see how she has combined her family’s story, professional journey, and collective life experiences to realize her many aspirations.

Her book, Roots of Resilience, is not only a testament to her remarkable journey but also an homage to the many essential attributes that one needs to successfully navigate life. It is a wonderfully crafted and heartfelt message that will surely resonate with the reader, regardless of who you are or where you come from.

Emily’s story is a message of gratitude to those whose sacrifices and unwavering principles have inspired the lives of others, empowering them to positively influence their communities. It is a message of clarity to those of us venturing through life, for sometimes it is not until we have traveled down the path and stopped for a moment of reflection that we realize the true impact of our decisions, the invaluable magnitude of those who crossed our path, and the miraculous transformation that has occurred along the way. And it is a message of guidance for those yet to begin their journey. By highlighting the power of courage, resilience, motivation, and faith that it takes to seize opportunity and achieve remarkable feats, Roots of Resilience serves as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a steady compass that can guide us all through the trials of this challenging and uncertain life.

—Kelton T. Stewart, DDS, MS

Chair, Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Indiana University School of Dentistry

During the Vietnam War, I was one of two women who approached the pastor of the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana, seeking support to help resettle a refugee family. After a period of anxious waiting, we were blessed to welcome the Taing family into our community.

This moving book, written by Dr. Emily Taing Watson—a daughter of the young couple who escaped Cambodia—recounts the harrowing journey her extended family endured as they fled the Khmer Rouge regime, survived a refugee camp in Thailand, and eventually built a new life in the United States. Through her storytelling, we witness the family’s incredible resilience, strength, and determination.

Inspired by her family’s perseverance, Dr. Watson pursued a successful career as an orthodontist. I am proud to say that my friendship with the Taing family has remained strong for over forty-five years, and it has been an honor to witness their journey firsthand.

—Marge Habegger

Emily Watson’s story stopped me in my tracks.

Decades ago, her grandfather dared to dream—fleeing war-torn Cambodia with a hope for something better. Not for himself, but for the generations that would come after him. His son, Emily’s father, would carry that dream forward, waking up before the sun to run a donut shop, day after day, year after year. And now, Emily—his daughter and that grandfather’s legacy—is one of the most successful orthodontists in her entire county.

That’s not just a story about success. That’s a story about resilience. About sacrifice. About the kind of hard work that doesn’t always make headlines but changes lives. It’s about the faithfulness of God through every step, every struggle, every unseen prayer. One generation’s courage can open doors for the next. And Emily is living proof.

What a powerful reminder that no dream is wasted when it’s sown in faith and watered with grit. This is legacy. This is hope. This is the kind of story that reminds us why we keep believing for more—not just for ourselves, but for those coming behind us.

—Kondo Simfuke

Pastor, advocate, and national speaker

In this deeply moving and inspiring memoir, Dr. Emily Taing Watson takes us on a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and triumph. The daughter of parents who escaped the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, she shares the incredible story of how they built a new life from the ground up in the United States. Their unwavering determination, work ethic, and love for family form the foundation of Emily’s own success. Through their example, she learned the true meaning of perseverance and the power of following one’s dreams.

As an orthodontist, Emily not only built a thriving private practice but also cultivated a work environment where her team can flourish, learn, and grow. Her vision to create a Strengths-Based Practice is nothing short of transformative. In her office, every person is empowered to discover their talents and leverage them for success. The compassion she shows her patients and team is only matched by her drive to help others reach their full potential. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the incredible impact one person can have on the lives of many.

For anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, or simply a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, this book is a must-read. It is a true celebration of courage, leadership, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future.

—Vicki Newell

Coach and consultant, Gallup Strength