Who You Are Matters

Where am I from?

I was born and raised in the Bay Area, specifically in the Town aka Oakland!

Where am I going?

While I know I want to go home to the Bay Area after graduation for a period of time, I think it’s a bit too early in my life to designate one place as my final destination. I plan on exploring much, much more of the world once I'm able to.

How do I plan on getting there?

I would ideally find a stable job once I graduate and make enough to not only sustain myself but to save for future adventures such as traveling around the world. I also don’t want to reduce myself to being a corporate machine, so I will continuously challenge myself mentally in order to further my global viewpoint.

How am I like my parents?

I definitely take after my mom's characteristics (eg. cleaning obsession and sniffing my food before trying anything), while many comments on the physical similarity between my dad and me.

How am I unlike my parents?

This past winter break made me realize how drastically different our communication styles are. While I've learned to vocalize more of my struggles, my parents often shun their issues away as if sweeping under the rug does anything more than get the bottom of the rug dirty.

Have I developed my own expectations for myself? 

Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who allowed me to set my own goals by not looming over my every move. Because of that, I've always held myself to my own expectations. This also taught me to hold my ground and not succumb to other people's vision of me.   

Who serves as a role model for me?

While there are plenty of celebrities and activists that I admire for their work or personalities, I always saw “role model” as the person that you are willing to make a shrine of (physical or not) and repeat all their quotes and principles like they’re your own. If I went off of my own definition, then I would say I don't have one.

What wild animal do I feel a special connection with, and why?

While there isn't much of an explanation, tiger was the first wild animal I thought of when being asked this question. Perhaps it's because my family is full of tigers (Zodiac signs, that is) or because I think tiger's look commands a sense of respect and courage and that attracts me to them.

What's a significant childhood encounter with a tree or plant?

As a child, I loved peering through my home's kitchen windows to see the blooming cherry trees in my backyard. Its blooming period occurs around February to April, which always felt like a signal of the impending spring season. Observing the beautiful cherry blossoms always brought a sense of happiness to me, knowing that the days will only get longer from then.

Astrological signs:

Virgo Sun

Aquarius Moon

Scorpio Rising