In 2001, Hank Hadley had two goals in mind: a great job and an education. When he arrived in the United States, he was determined to achieve his two goals. The 26 year old from Pohnpei, Micronesia, left his $1.35-an-hour job to come to Bowling Green to work as a chef at the Shogun of Japan Steak House on Scottsville Road.

A year later, he met his fiancé, Julie Pretrick, at Shogun, and now they are working together as a team to support their 11-month-old daughter, Samara.

“One of the best moments of being a dad was witnessing the moment she was born,” Hadley said.

Now, Hadley just concentrates on making the money he needs to raise Samara.

“Being a dad gets better and better everyday,” he said. “Especially now, when she is learning new words.”

Each day, Hadley thinks about how much he misses his home in Micronesia.

“Once Julie and I save up enough money, I can’t wait to move back home,” he said.

Hadley, who adores his family back home, recalls all the unforgettable moments when his family gathered around the table to eat and enjoy one another’s company.

Hadley and Pretrick share their hospitality with the community in Flanigan Court.

Though they enjoy what the U.S. has to offer, “There is no place like home,” Hadley said.

“A Thousand Words” is a weekly photo essay that tells untold stories on the edges of campus.