tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995959275231563562024-02-21T09:32:33.580-08:00Happy Celebrations with MLEWelcome to The Official Blog of Emily Wu Truong! This blog addresses concerns in the community which revolve around thinking positively and being able to look at the good that comes out of events of adversity. In this world, people often victimize themselves, feeling like it is everyone else's fault that life is horrible. However, my blog takes that negative perspective to turn it around to look at the POSITIVE aspects of life! =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-39943032037995071162017-01-20T00:26:00.001-08:002017-01-20T00:26:17.299-08:00My Open Letter to President Obama: Thank You <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCshFZdGZr1ObjhZNX2n73inqWKNeAVSKKh7N25S79pGlcBSbtBK501NeSD7NgnIY2mwMjy-DiwTuY6i85OISR4uPGE8nnxlSTUdiU2xEu0llW0XrRl6DNWqIV3UpExjXv9AdEyjGzo_hS/s1600/996499_10151799101790452_321250493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCshFZdGZr1ObjhZNX2n73inqWKNeAVSKKh7N25S79pGlcBSbtBK501NeSD7NgnIY2mwMjy-DiwTuY6i85OISR4uPGE8nnxlSTUdiU2xEu0llW0XrRl6DNWqIV3UpExjXv9AdEyjGzo_hS/s320/996499_10151799101790452_321250493_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">President Barack Obama will always have a place in my heart because he inspired my drive to bring mental health awareness to my own communities. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">He personally inspired me to come out of my shell. In June 3, 2013, he stated at the National Conference on </span><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span class="_58cm">Mental Health</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">, "Too many Americans who struggle with </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #4267b2;">m</span></span><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span class="_58cm">ental illness</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> suffer in silence rather than seek help." That's when I realized that I needed to speak out & share my own story. So 1 month later at a legislative briefing on Asian American mental health</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">, I stated, “I will not end my life because I have a story to share. The more we talk about mental health, the more we will alleviate the stigma. There is NO</span><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span class="_58cm"> shame</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">. There is NO shame.” That marked the beginning of my grassroots advocacy to work towards alleviating the stigma on mental illness so that others would know that they are not alone in their struggles. </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mentalhealthmatters?source=feed_text&story_id=10154980707545452" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">MentalHealthMatters</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/obamafarewell?source=feed_text&story_id=10154980707545452" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">ObamaFarewell</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"></span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/yeswecan?source=feed_text&story_id=10154980707545452" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">YesWeCan</span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Because Obama was such an inspiration to me, I finally got around to writing my letter to him on January 11, 2017. This is what I wrote... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: normal;">
Dearest President Barack Obama,<br /> <br />I've been meaning to write this
letter for you for a long time, but am finally doing it now since you will be
leaving the White House oval office soon. I want to tell you that you have been
one of the most inspirational presidents to me in my lifetime.<br /> <br />I have lived with depression
& anxiety for most of my life. However, I found the courage to come out of
my shell after I had found out that at the National Conference on Mental Health
on June 3, 2013, you stated, "Too many Americans who struggle with mental
illness suffer in silence rather than seek help." </blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4PssaoGx9aE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4PssaoGx9aE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: normal;">
That was when I realized
that I needed to speak out & share my own story.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: normal;">
So in July 2013 at a legislative
briefing on Asian American mental health, I publicly stated, “I will not end my
life because I have a story to share. The more we talk about mental health, the
more we will alleviate the stigma. There is no shame. There is NO shame.” That
was my public vow that I would never die by suicide. It also marked the
beginning of my grassroots advocacy to work towards alleviating the stigma on
mental illness so that others would know that they are not alone in their
struggles.<br /> <br />Since then, for these last 3.5
years, I've been working tirelessly with limited funding towards creating a
more loving, compassionate & accepting community by bringing mental health
education wherever I go. I have spent much of my time volunteering for various
organizations, staying engaged in state-level advocacy, organizing community
mental health educational opportunities through facilitating support groups
& conferences, and have accumulated more than 100 speaking engagements. As
a representative for the California Mental Health Movement "<a href="http://eachmindmatters.org/">Each Mind Matters</a>" and <a href="http://nami.org/">National Alliance on Mental Illness</a>, I share my story in
order to alleviate the stigma on mental health, inspire others to find meaning
in their life struggles & explain how precious each person is despite their
life challenges. I speak to audiences of high school & college students,
school administrators, teachers, families, law enforcement, faith-based
communities, healthcare & mental health professionals. During my speeches,
I even mention how you inspired me to become more vocal for the cause. Here 2
videos I share when I go out and share my message of mental health awareness: <a href="http://bit.ly/25vmP06">http://bit.ly/25vmP06</a>
& <a href="http://bit.ly/2czim9z">http://bit.ly/2czim9z<br /> </a><br />Thanks again for your messages of
hope, & I hope I may have the honor of meeting you one day.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: normal;">
Emily Wu Truong</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
One week later, I received this response from The White House... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jVyyWMrLFk9sdJz7L-yCzVTC4iadsjIyBX_uE4wSYMBEPma9Q9txJLkHaRoBdHrXxxZ_I0fEseUf5UNz8ggIyw8G_W1WwJKGMTQ1d0bmrYETj5ze7vmchleTEMTG31iXoFDC2B7hhebD/s1600/Thank+You+letter+from+obama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jVyyWMrLFk9sdJz7L-yCzVTC4iadsjIyBX_uE4wSYMBEPma9Q9txJLkHaRoBdHrXxxZ_I0fEseUf5UNz8ggIyw8G_W1WwJKGMTQ1d0bmrYETj5ze7vmchleTEMTG31iXoFDC2B7hhebD/s640/Thank+You+letter+from+obama.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Thanks to First Lady Michelle Obama too for her contributions to the dialogue to ending the silence and creating more dialogues around mental health, mental illness & suicide. She said a few words of support for the Mental Health Movement at the <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/">SAMHSA</a>'s <a href="http://www.samhsa.gov/voice-awards">Voice Awards</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QNH9VyYvFkE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QNH9VyYvFkE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-46259803813626524662015-12-02T21:52:00.005-08:002015-12-02T21:52:50.209-08:00In Response to Mass Shootings: Spread Love, Not Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUKXdeIluAFINaEV_goCrOM-_WTo5O581KHXrbadFdn-gpKBEs1_IpvuUC1FVoRmS5HsLtsS2K-EdXdFCDKYoVMf29L27l0nwjUZ1fP_b9B1iSW-t1cpOPigcgwspIYgSNJzsz0obmd-h/s1600/12299139_10153812584602803_8912378696512676776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUKXdeIluAFINaEV_goCrOM-_WTo5O581KHXrbadFdn-gpKBEs1_IpvuUC1FVoRmS5HsLtsS2K-EdXdFCDKYoVMf29L27l0nwjUZ1fP_b9B1iSW-t1cpOPigcgwspIYgSNJzsz0obmd-h/s400/12299139_10153812584602803_8912378696512676776_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrF9pS1vZgBNc1jJ_ul3y_V1zBOpwA0cMCoznwLJStb1nso80ImwddieskJPAZjf284ZNJ7jIWkrI_sBxofu6FTELmOBUhL72siahsCDq16vvvoHJRT7BhhGY0eu7tUdkNb1Cp4BH0uYm/s1600/logo_final-01_small_1_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrF9pS1vZgBNc1jJ_ul3y_V1zBOpwA0cMCoznwLJStb1nso80ImwddieskJPAZjf284ZNJ7jIWkrI_sBxofu6FTELmOBUhL72siahsCDq16vvvoHJRT7BhhGY0eu7tUdkNb1Cp4BH0uYm/s1600/logo_final-01_small_1_1.png" /></a>My thoughts & prayers are with those affected by the San Bernardino mass shooting<span class="_58cm" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></span> at the <a href="http://inlandrc.org/">Inland Regional Center</a> today<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sanbernardino?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cm"></span></a>. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Any type of </span><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"></span><span class="_58cm" style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">tragedy</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> is never easy to handle. It's sad that events like these have to happen in order for its community to see what is lacking. Some people who are looking for help fall through the cracks & then systematic changes fail to happen until tragedies occur. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">On top of that, there are too many bystanders who know that things are going wrong</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">, but they don't have the moral <span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;"></span><span class="_58cm">c</span></span><span class="_58cm" style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">ourage</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> to assist them with getting the services that they need. We need to stop being bystanders, and get to a place where we can speak up & speak out. for those who cannot speak for themselves. This is why I care about civic engagement</span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/civicengagement?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cm"></span></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">. Our systems won't change if we don't speak up. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkGffhKO2PGjgwlCxEZzhiQDcCtqa64BdITxYtj6KFB2pxUIFq1KygOnDYS5SNu_nYtMSBuhY3MImhkVkE05NEBBVSiFJxrHTVYp3EA2YBemH1Qt80cPxGwOnylN2JCu9Lo8Y-9dE-Bir/s1600/Sometimes-in-tragedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkGffhKO2PGjgwlCxEZzhiQDcCtqa64BdITxYtj6KFB2pxUIFq1KygOnDYS5SNu_nYtMSBuhY3MImhkVkE05NEBBVSiFJxrHTVYp3EA2YBemH1Qt80cPxGwOnylN2JCu9Lo8Y-9dE-Bir/s200/Sometimes-in-tragedy.jpg" width="159" /></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Reporting reality matters. If you want to understand a </span><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"></span><span class="_58cm" style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">community</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">, understand what the people are going through. Get to know their daily</span><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><span class="_58cm" style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">struggles</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">. Get to know its strengths and weaknesses. </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br />The <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=5863113009" href="https://www.facebook.com/latimes/" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;">Los Angeles Times</a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">just did a report on San Bernardino last month. It is the poorest city in</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;"></span><span class="_58cm">California. Check our LA Times' documentary film about their city here: </span><a href="http://graphics.latimes.com/san-bernardino-video/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://graphics.latimes.com/san-bernardino-video/</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Despite these tragedies, let's not let our</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;"></span><span class="_58cm">fear</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> consume</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> us. Let's let our</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;"></span><span class="_58cm">LOVE make the best out of us</span><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hopestartswithus?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">HopeStartsWithUs</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mentalhealthmatters?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">MentalHealthMatters</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bethechange?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">BeTheChange</span></a><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/everylifematters?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">EveryLifeMatters</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/healourworld?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">HealOurWorld</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/prayforsb?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">PrayForSB</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/prayforsanbernardino?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad; cursor: pointer;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="cursor: pointer;">PrayForSanBernardino</span></a><span style="line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/spreadlove?source=feed_text&story_id=895310767204495" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">SpreadLove</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYwHxRegLvkHOga3RyW_jyxo3auuLwjxi14fJErZ8kFMdMZQFMgdM5MEd4hLNIVUbHIC1gi0dHAg6TRCP1qmW1HWiclOne5uUol7ddsQZCwSjS2i1RCBDmMiCh8KGyVWkjvjVpSawldYN/s1600/Spread-of-Love-Fashion-Show-at-Emerald-Tower-Clifton-Karachi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYwHxRegLvkHOga3RyW_jyxo3auuLwjxi14fJErZ8kFMdMZQFMgdM5MEd4hLNIVUbHIC1gi0dHAg6TRCP1qmW1HWiclOne5uUol7ddsQZCwSjS2i1RCBDmMiCh8KGyVWkjvjVpSawldYN/s320/Spread-of-Love-Fashion-Show-at-Emerald-Tower-Clifton-Karachi.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe8MlB9gDGhzidpf4hnspvufmp5U25qsltH4o2iYbh2d1xB5WgcWiXltnjRf94zRxciG8rLa8TDQYg3mChVjpNlE319Ncu8OV7-It-xfK7fYDYjHKAwZdNaL4ctSv4UOsPHX6nkxPX5r6/s1600/00000000000000010335.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe8MlB9gDGhzidpf4hnspvufmp5U25qsltH4o2iYbh2d1xB5WgcWiXltnjRf94zRxciG8rLa8TDQYg3mChVjpNlE319Ncu8OV7-It-xfK7fYDYjHKAwZdNaL4ctSv4UOsPHX6nkxPX5r6/s200/00000000000000010335.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a7pKn1XAId6CYwomMp243ZYfpSedxeXfngC_blQQkqI2JNBYxO0dqH4_kqnbO97L6SZ7rghE9M-G5jABkn3uoJ6l9jzj5tpt2BHRVlfbFnkKe77_xb-alXJSoJ6acq7bChPOfOxNNRxl/s1600/advocate1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a7pKn1XAId6CYwomMp243ZYfpSedxeXfngC_blQQkqI2JNBYxO0dqH4_kqnbO97L6SZ7rghE9M-G5jABkn3uoJ6l9jzj5tpt2BHRVlfbFnkKe77_xb-alXJSoJ6acq7bChPOfOxNNRxl/s320/advocate1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUmumtKk5I11Bhq8nAlt6f7pg6etam1obdHHqUzjHLK-HWYM9K7NIgjX5GrXtWpqdvybqERba9afCQrxcqFT_xXb3Tt8zkgN2gCDtu49YRJ5TgmsJXBjPalLU8L2tgK5L239oz8Fi1eOZ/s1600/285285_352518511523146_338998429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUmumtKk5I11Bhq8nAlt6f7pg6etam1obdHHqUzjHLK-HWYM9K7NIgjX5GrXtWpqdvybqERba9afCQrxcqFT_xXb3Tt8zkgN2gCDtu49YRJ5TgmsJXBjPalLU8L2tgK5L239oz8Fi1eOZ/s320/285285_352518511523146_338998429_n.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusIGPwkAqKx43VmokmpB8LUHtiz1ESDBjuGPQDq7TN7R7BMBz2ICjr8cGTzQDJcjWsqwDbvgBz-1SuoeYI-TwWBiBkM_JUWAa5EU48tJ-TyKSbvawatE82M4_GTIrvaCMenD7YHadtrV5/s1600/2bf40e766ad2b53c778341aa76cb6f24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusIGPwkAqKx43VmokmpB8LUHtiz1ESDBjuGPQDq7TN7R7BMBz2ICjr8cGTzQDJcjWsqwDbvgBz-1SuoeYI-TwWBiBkM_JUWAa5EU48tJ-TyKSbvawatE82M4_GTIrvaCMenD7YHadtrV5/s320/2bf40e766ad2b53c778341aa76cb6f24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-64386009321252529642015-12-01T21:32:00.004-08:002015-12-02T18:23:06.527-08:00Life Lessons Beyond the Holiday Blues <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbOVci-79nvZHW6PYGjpoumPljc4WKZlZ0n-LHQ_Pc3ljvkXNFhEvG1Q7FSLsJXeYDdMxhclC-vJoOw2MK2aaAXgUxcBFp6tg3LVRHQmNMKOzsn5JZ6bbT5PeB9QbK9exQ2C-6dz5N0qb/s1600/12299306_10150598098379984_5623068588703682920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbOVci-79nvZHW6PYGjpoumPljc4WKZlZ0n-LHQ_Pc3ljvkXNFhEvG1Q7FSLsJXeYDdMxhclC-vJoOw2MK2aaAXgUxcBFp6tg3LVRHQmNMKOzsn5JZ6bbT5PeB9QbK9exQ2C-6dz5N0qb/s200/12299306_10150598098379984_5623068588703682920_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Comic by Beth Evans</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Every
year when the holidays come around, I get into an emotional funk, and I get the
holiday blues. The holiday season and my birthday month of January can become
an emotionally triggering time. The pressure and expectation to be happy and have
a forced smile on my face doesn't sit well with me. When I'm by myself, my mind
will reflect on past memories of how previous holidays and birthdays turned out
before. Some holiday seasons have been okay, but others haven't been so great.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yearning for Social Connections </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
To give you a background about myself, I longed for deep heart-to-heart
connections since childhood. I yearned for intimate relationships, especially
with family. I longed to be understood, but often felt misunderstood. When I
didn't know how to articulate myself, I wished others would have more patience
with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SF0johx5rGB3yBmty4pGu1Jq_U5CnduTWmXsVcjld87DYyigk7tQqtIy6cSDO_7N4CdNa-O6vKmJmQ5aKx-h7jr03g1kZjEPEWTL7Y3xNBaE0uD4ib5GBlCnHjyF1VJMyk3Wwg7BsFQ5/s1600/Flipper_The_Dolphin_1968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SF0johx5rGB3yBmty4pGu1Jq_U5CnduTWmXsVcjld87DYyigk7tQqtIy6cSDO_7N4CdNa-O6vKmJmQ5aKx-h7jr03g1kZjEPEWTL7Y3xNBaE0uD4ib5GBlCnHjyF1VJMyk3Wwg7BsFQ5/s200/Flipper_The_Dolphin_1968.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flipper, the Dolphin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When I found human relationships
to be difficult, I turned to TV & found the relationships between humans
and animals so profound. I watched shows like<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Flipper</i>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Mr. Ed</i> and <i>Lassie</i>. Seeing
shows like these made me want to have my own pet, but I was not allowed to have
any pets in my parents' home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Growing up, I often felt lonely
and depressed. During high school, I came across Van Gogh's art work called
"The Potato Eaters." When I discovered this painting, I immediately
connected. I could relate to feelings and emotions in this painting. It
depicted the feelings I’d have during meals with my family. Physically, we were
together, but emotionally, we were not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another inspiration during high school was the book "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heart_Is_a_Lonely_Hunter">The Heart is a Lonely Hunter</a>" by Carson McCullers. We were to read this book in our literature/composition class. From this book, I learned so much about human nature, symbolism, and I could personally relate with the characters in the book. The characters were literally lonely hunters seeking a kind listening ear. They were looking for validation. I enjoyed this book so much, that I marked it all up, underlining phrases and highlighting the parts I could emotionally relate to. </div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPkuaCs6RNtWO-OSPtt2U1PSU1ILo6nTriTrPLI6kR21xIy1v0sZ97jnxlQALBdmQlJ1j876cRupbsrJ9DdQlUhIA50tr0Qbtg3xJ1KYTIus3o-nTZR9sC20UMngGIpU4vLG6_sDkaT4j/s1600/Van-willem-vincent-gogh-die-kartoffelesser-03850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPkuaCs6RNtWO-OSPtt2U1PSU1ILo6nTriTrPLI6kR21xIy1v0sZ97jnxlQALBdmQlJ1j876cRupbsrJ9DdQlUhIA50tr0Qbtg3xJ1KYTIus3o-nTZR9sC20UMngGIpU4vLG6_sDkaT4j/s200/Van-willem-vincent-gogh-die-kartoffelesser-03850.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">"The Potato Eaters" by Van Gogh</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrocUe43af1lfz1PluUAw0FRdE1iI6Fd7-nQSLxT0O53hAg7mgaevMKw4pvdkYTIyLC2HdXP3GIVV3mDeyaPf8z98WxghH1RMxIbUsDnim_p3eflZv8oUTZWsCYdQ9JYNs7g9sYvuXkai8/s1600/0553269631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrocUe43af1lfz1PluUAw0FRdE1iI6Fd7-nQSLxT0O53hAg7mgaevMKw4pvdkYTIyLC2HdXP3GIVV3mDeyaPf8z98WxghH1RMxIbUsDnim_p3eflZv8oUTZWsCYdQ9JYNs7g9sYvuXkai8/s200/0553269631.jpg" width="120" /></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Previous Holiday Seasons</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Year after year, the holiday
season served as a tim</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">e reminding me how my ideals never matched up to how I
wanted reality to be. After graduating from college and moving back home with
my parents, the holidays were a miserable time of reflection. I felt like I had
nothing to show for. I had no full time job. My relationships with family members
were rocky. I didn’t feel proud of myself, and so I most of the time isolated
myself until I suddenly had spurts of self-confidence in 2009 and 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CPsQymw7WnsTxun7jnYwDuQJjIfWXXFNI2D1ZL8U1zGgXaFqM5S8JQSOevw6bbA7-xOtD2Xdl0t3e_RnLGs9P6Zxvg65N8SxLm1KNiRdWy-q1Hfc_M0rE7PKZAttDnVMIXpyWTiP8Ufz/s1600/537347_554347114634197_182754627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CPsQymw7WnsTxun7jnYwDuQJjIfWXXFNI2D1ZL8U1zGgXaFqM5S8JQSOevw6bbA7-xOtD2Xdl0t3e_RnLGs9P6Zxvg65N8SxLm1KNiRdWy-q1Hfc_M0rE7PKZAttDnVMIXpyWTiP8Ufz/s320/537347_554347114634197_182754627_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In October 2013, I shared my stories
with a news reporter from the World Journal/Chinese Daily News. The next day,
they published their article about me, calling it "<a href="http://www.worldjournal.com/231402/article-a-victim-of-perfectionist-parents-speaks-out/"><span style="color: #66cc66; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Victim of
Perfectionist Parents Speaks Out</span></a>.” They had not consulted me
regarding how to title this article. So when my parents called me, their
reactions were not positive. They were in shock, & it took some time for me
and my parents to digest everything that had happened. Over a belated
Thanksgiving meal with my parents, my husband and I discussed what had happened
when the news reporter interviewed me. While trying to explain, I was in tears
because there were so many accumulated misunderstandings between my parents and
me throughout my life. I mainly wanted my parents to know that it was not my
intention to publicly shame them. My intention was to say that I accept the
past, and I’m not trying to play the blame game anymore. I just want to say
that I am one of many who struggled with the impacts of acculturation coming
from an immigrant family. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XlfH8-rJ7XU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XlfH8-rJ7XU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lCr2g95DNHKhyFIjKIWzhguWsVlqPlDfMuy6nsLBDo1xaFoWjBmuYklO19joXIVab-1dHszQuS4vR_bah1RnMGsWG-jEt6Z_Ozq5dNeOj3MEGFDPMnL34G4tHCvs-mfSEQCp28ENbFfY/s1600/untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lCr2g95DNHKhyFIjKIWzhguWsVlqPlDfMuy6nsLBDo1xaFoWjBmuYklO19joXIVab-1dHszQuS4vR_bah1RnMGsWG-jEt6Z_Ozq5dNeOj3MEGFDPMnL34G4tHCvs-mfSEQCp28ENbFfY/s200/untitled-5.jpg" width="172" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In my presentation
at Raytheon in April 2014, I shared this story, and I explained...<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"
Thank goodness my husband was there for me, and I finally got around to
explaining to my parents telling them... I know you did the best you could
given what you grew up with. Without you there would be no me. So regardless of
what happened in the past and even though Little Emily didn't feel all the love
she needed when she was growing up, I still appreciate you, Mom, Dad, my
family, my brother, my sister. Thank you for being a part of my
life... Nelson Mandela had a quote like 'If I was to live my life all over
again, I would live it the same exact way.' Why? Because things were meant to
go that way. I believe I was put through all of those circumstances in order to
become stronger today." </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Currently, I'm confronted with
drama today where I'm still not on good terms with some family members, and
yes, it makes me feel helpless and sad. I tried my best to reach out, but
there's not much else I can do. Would I like our relationship to be better?
Sure, I would, but if they're not willing to speak to me, there's not much I
can do. I must accept the situation. I cannot change anyone, but myself and my
attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>My Coping Skills & Changing My Attitude </b><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So in these last few years, I've learned how to cope with circumstances
that were beyond my control. I found</span> <a href="http://recoveryinternational.org/">Recovery International</a> self-help support groups, and I've learned these tools when when I am experiencing trivialities in life. </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>If you can't change the situation, change your attitude towards it. </li>
<li>Endorse yourself for the effort, not only for the performance.</li>
<li>Symptoms are distressing but not dangerous.</li>
<li>Self-appointed expectations lead to self-appointed frustrations.</li>
<li>Lower your expectations, and your performance will rise. </li>
<li>Temper is an intellectual blindness to the other side of the story.</li>
<li>Perfection is a hope, dream, & illusion. </li>
<li>Trivialities are the everyday events & irritations of daily life. Compared to our mental health, most events are trivial. </li>
</ul>
<div>
In additional to these tools, <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 16.25pt;">I developed my strong support
network by turning to Recovery International support groups, NAMI San Gabriel
Valley, the Asian Coalition, Project Return Peer Support Network, and many more
organizations filled with other mental health advocates like me. Through
networking, I found hope knowing that I was not alone in my struggles, and
attending support groups and advocacy meetings has become very meaningful for
me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Aside from in person meetings,
finding positive affirmations online, and especially on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mysimplereminders"><span style="color: #66cc66; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Simple Reminders' Facebook page</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> has helped me </span>as well. They have
posted great quotes and reminders to appreciate the things we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>do</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have in life... like this post by </span><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Frederick
Keonig</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><i><b>Mindset of Gratitude</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." ~ </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Frederick Keonig</strong> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqqeY5xnIPOZNyZas1F1Ezc19VdBGxPNdHp3YUk7d8lqDMXqZ8NKG6YxaD8LRwW5c5WlkgyG5RZrwruiTH-m8yGp08e1qbwd8UwAQ_R226P3svd1To4iKZRj2ni-NrajIFBIXVF1BXjpK/s1600/frederick-keonig-happiness-appreciating-what-have-7n5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqqeY5xnIPOZNyZas1F1Ezc19VdBGxPNdHp3YUk7d8lqDMXqZ8NKG6YxaD8LRwW5c5WlkgyG5RZrwruiTH-m8yGp08e1qbwd8UwAQ_R226P3svd1To4iKZRj2ni-NrajIFBIXVF1BXjpK/s400/frederick-keonig-happiness-appreciating-what-have-7n5c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a life lesson that I
have been learning everyday to stay grounded and keep life in perspective. I
also share that same lesson learned in my own story, which I shared when I felt
like the mental healthcare system failed me when I was seeking affordable
mental healthcare. The experience motivated me to think outside the box to find
other means to helping myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kcBw53dSp2c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kcBw53dSp2c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I basically learned... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xGXrcwjY6m5v0XNkVzq0B8ejfrJc2SmEuHigKzvqLm407VKSG-0HtY9UAX8Igv8KTDR_qr3BlwI94XVoLoDYeO-Y3M6dwYEB1pcOtrf7_10E8v9oTBGuoq_MsySfhrkrV92BhFMuQhjR/s1600/11220485_10153370404455452_6110431313087656585_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xGXrcwjY6m5v0XNkVzq0B8ejfrJc2SmEuHigKzvqLm407VKSG-0HtY9UAX8Igv8KTDR_qr3BlwI94XVoLoDYeO-Y3M6dwYEB1pcOtrf7_10E8v9oTBGuoq_MsySfhrkrV92BhFMuQhjR/s400/11220485_10153370404455452_6110431313087656585_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYDkAt0R41u0EGsHVS6UZmldUa1uFBfPXuDmNTh20bM55feY9_ZXTgOK3UXFoocX-acbaF9bmnfptl70RJAqf35d_oPdIsQRQm1atOzaR74LhPahF9EdR5FAhdsGVy-WR6IlwK5rEe8wo/s1600/Life-quotes-275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYDkAt0R41u0EGsHVS6UZmldUa1uFBfPXuDmNTh20bM55feY9_ZXTgOK3UXFoocX-acbaF9bmnfptl70RJAqf35d_oPdIsQRQm1atOzaR74LhPahF9EdR5FAhdsGVy-WR6IlwK5rEe8wo/s320/Life-quotes-275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So although life during the
holidays is not how we pictured it to be, we must learn to let go of our
expectations and appreciate what we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>do</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have now, instead of what we don't
have. We must make do with what we have. We need to learn to appreciate our
abilities and focus less on our disabilities for our mental well-being. Not
everything will go the way we had hoped. We cannot always control our external
circumstances. When we focus too much on the circumstances we can't change, we
will start to feel more helpless and hopeless. We must zoom out of our
challenges, and see our lives with a more objective perspective. We must take
the good with the bad in life and learn not to take the littlest things for
granted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3E6gzwsyc0qaxfQGmfWUBAgxRD-zMTNx41Vxj-3m6iz4OvME7CNeDNJ9Ik3VNrYlc4NriU2eHEjIC7R8tOPXX0U4YDj6Wusq4gX0t0NQ06JTGp0NzGtsugP75p6-8myhgc5V0dioiPCa/s1600/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3E6gzwsyc0qaxfQGmfWUBAgxRD-zMTNx41Vxj-3m6iz4OvME7CNeDNJ9Ik3VNrYlc4NriU2eHEjIC7R8tOPXX0U4YDj6Wusq4gX0t0NQ06JTGp0NzGtsugP75p6-8myhgc5V0dioiPCa/s200/screen480x480.jpeg" width="200" /></a>So here are some things that I <i>am</i> grateful for... </div>
<div>
I can see life in color. I can sing. I can dance. I can hear. I can write, type and articulate my thoughts much more than I could before. I have parents who love me. I have a supportive husband and fur baby <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MissKittyAkaCorkie/">Chairman Meow</a> who keeps me company at home. And my list could go on and on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Self-Encouragement aka Being My Own Best Friend </b></div>
<div>
However, I will leave you with this note, and I hope you find it encouraging... This is what I said to myself just before my birthday in January 2015, and it still applies to coping with the holidays blues... Just change the word 'birthdays' to 'holidays.' </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7hhyphenhyphenNV0ws9I-_iU4Zk0_QkgQzpsgUKyUEcstUhdCp-H6o5EAFCBIclOhyphenhyphenTC8m8NGa6H7ChRVHAlY2tW7OudOMYDL3X8lKSGFdxIM8f0qvHv5zmw2e7L7G9C0aAcRNJEw-Ryxb-I2NCvn/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7hhyphenhyphenNV0ws9I-_iU4Zk0_QkgQzpsgUKyUEcstUhdCp-H6o5EAFCBIclOhyphenhyphenTC8m8NGa6H7ChRVHAlY2tW7OudOMYDL3X8lKSGFdxIM8f0qvHv5zmw2e7L7G9C0aAcRNJEw-Ryxb-I2NCvn/s200/image.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.25pt;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Even though your
birthdays in the past haven't always been so happy, don't value yourself based
on those experiences or based on how other people treated you before. Plus,
your worth is never dependent on whether we celebrate your birthday with a big
crowd of people or not. We're going to make the most of your birthday. We are
going to celebrate, have fun and do things that make you happy, okay? =) You
are precious to me, and no matter what anyone else says, I love you. Let's not
let anyone or any circumstances ruin our day because your peace of mind and
happiness matters to me. I am so proud of all of the accomplishments you've
made in your life, all the strides you've surpassed, and I can't wait to see
you thrive in this upcoming year! I have your back through every <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">circumstance, and I will never ever leave you because
I believe in you. You got this."</span></span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-53691550625930749482015-01-19T01:40:00.002-08:002016-01-29T22:34:22.322-08:00MLE's Accomplishments from Sept '14 to Jan '15!! <br />
I know it's been a while since I've written a blog... So I just wanted to let you know of my accomplishments since September 2014! So here goes!<br />
<br />
<b>In September 2014, </b><br />
- I helped to represent <a href="http://dmh.lacounty.gov/">LACDMH</a> & <a href="http://eachmindmatters.org/">Each Mind Matters (EMM)</a> at the "<a href="http://www.ucop.edu/student-mental-health-resources/training-and-programs/student-mental-health-best-practice-conference-2014/index.html">Stronger Together: California Colleges & Universities United for Student Mental Health</a>" Conference to connected with school administrators & professors of different universities state-wide. During the EMM presentation, they showed this image of my EMM vignette! I was so happy when they displayed that picture of me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFcKP3wHgMXB4wfy8b0BK4YirtTGtf037QMo-H7ej8p-LKJlEDsurpJAQSmQRW2mFOHEL0TUg92yDlFhF42Js6o70H9QtDBvJzBz5JdXXp1QdUUofGHDlLdpr2fd6_ZRe5ZwD4rRMcRph/s1600/10423889_10152756836750452_7818438492402821913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFcKP3wHgMXB4wfy8b0BK4YirtTGtf037QMo-H7ej8p-LKJlEDsurpJAQSmQRW2mFOHEL0TUg92yDlFhF42Js6o70H9QtDBvJzBz5JdXXp1QdUUofGHDlLdpr2fd6_ZRe5ZwD4rRMcRph/s1600/10423889_10152756836750452_7818438492402821913_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
- As <a href="http://www.namisangabrielvalley.org/">NAMI San Gabriel Valley</a>'s appointed Chair of Programming from August to December '14, I was in charge of hosting, welcoming & emceeing the monthly general meetings & their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXbZii1J_SIJ79AP5SU_OIQ">educational series</a> featuring <a href="http://drmichaeld.com/">Dr. Michael DiPaolo</a>. In addition to emceeing, I provided numerous community brochures/flyers, prepared sign-in sheets, set-up, & cleaned up for a majority of these meetings. <br />
<br />
<b>In October 2014, </b><br />
- For my 3rd time & for Mental Health Awareness Week, I was featured to be a guest speaker for NAMI's Mental Health Matters radio show with Host & President of NAMI Hunterdon, Larry Cartwright. That interview audio file can be found here: <span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.hunterdonchamberradio.com/Radio_Shows/Mental_Health_Matters/Mental_Health_Matters-2014-10-06_07.mp3">http://www.hunterdonchamberradio.com/Radio_Shows/Mental_Health_Matters/Mental_Health_Matters-2014-10-06_07.mp3</a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmybgnL8-X_mABYACT5N7VAjP6YLSMgZO6BysTK2Rf5DEV48Ey5Z05sR1Mum7dtJI4D1zdzy67Uic0PdHH6PER0wAYv3QMBX-oz6iHxWZvqjQTmUqHwQRcm4aTo-uTU2ThHUYP-C2xDO3/s1600/3rd+nami+mhm+radio+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmybgnL8-X_mABYACT5N7VAjP6YLSMgZO6BysTK2Rf5DEV48Ey5Z05sR1Mum7dtJI4D1zdzy67Uic0PdHH6PER0wAYv3QMBX-oz6iHxWZvqjQTmUqHwQRcm4aTo-uTU2ThHUYP-C2xDO3/s1600/3rd+nami+mhm+radio+show.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">- I attended my first </span></span><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">LA County Board of Supervisors' meeting on 10/7/14 with Miguel Perla of Each Mind Matters for </span></span><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Supervisor Michael Antonovich recognizing the 11th Annual NAMI Walks.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7axiYTZIuLAOVegCrrDT7KqZNwZ_VL-qS7D01WclbbbmlLro23ihAhtLf5w_VvDHDEM9aka7mxBzIBIhL_MLxiijRK-L1vTh-fPgSYucuNXgo3G1MrdjUoI30yzBD1XJ3cfAg-v7YfjcM/s1600/10436010_10153007838875452_8141400729246088802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7axiYTZIuLAOVegCrrDT7KqZNwZ_VL-qS7D01WclbbbmlLro23ihAhtLf5w_VvDHDEM9aka7mxBzIBIhL_MLxiijRK-L1vTh-fPgSYucuNXgo3G1MrdjUoI30yzBD1XJ3cfAg-v7YfjcM/s1600/10436010_10153007838875452_8141400729246088802_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span>
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">- I was featured in LACDMH's eNews for having attended the LA County Board of Supervisors' meeting for Supervisor Michael Antonovich recognizing the 11th Annual NAMI Walks.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdabGJxcEI-_Pe_JMIO_TGp645Y4ywMIaertN3aARLIoMoLIJfApeQOtilSzamMuCym9tu6_7wmMU1sxFd_IEsAP9lF0yfIl04zVTgzdaH3d1xCdJm5xOr-blOqEIIrE2uoPJrTm1-3a5/s1600/bos+namiwalks+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdabGJxcEI-_Pe_JMIO_TGp645Y4ywMIaertN3aARLIoMoLIJfApeQOtilSzamMuCym9tu6_7wmMU1sxFd_IEsAP9lF0yfIl04zVTgzdaH3d1xCdJm5xOr-blOqEIIrE2uoPJrTm1-3a5/s1600/bos+namiwalks+2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">- I attended my first LA City Council meeting for their Proclamation of Oct 10th as World Mental Health Day. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEpUWw1lJAKXtiOIQm5dZC07iheNKQcsoEc4UaZdVMzVq42p5Dma5Et-QJBCjtfcKK9b0YAWZ4xTCBrDfgu3zJABabqfiAFFv16Fuc9DqtarRlYEIiPDHK-zDdt2B_BudnyYb49B3SG1i/s1600/10723240_10152832959715452_664692143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEpUWw1lJAKXtiOIQm5dZC07iheNKQcsoEc4UaZdVMzVq42p5Dma5Et-QJBCjtfcKK9b0YAWZ4xTCBrDfgu3zJABabqfiAFFv16Fuc9DqtarRlYEIiPDHK-zDdt2B_BudnyYb49B3SG1i/s1600/10723240_10152832959715452_664692143_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">- <span style="font-family: inherit;">I was featured again by LACDMH in their <a href="http://1.usa.gov/15OuyMi">brief report</a> re: the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1526517094252706/?ref=5&source=1"><b>Proclamation of Oct 10th as World Mental Health Day at LA City Hall. </b></a></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".9g.1:3:1:$comment10152832074815452_10152833131580452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".9g.1:3:1:$comment10152832074815452_10152833131580452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".9g.1:3:1:$comment10152832074815452_10152833131580452:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$text0:0:$0:0">For
the recording of the Proclamation, you can find that here <a href="http://bit.ly/1HYk7EM">http://bit.ly/1HYk7EM</a> starting at 11:45! <span class="emoticon emoticon_smile" title="=)"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirQrIMdM4xpyrB3uOkKZ9G-0Dp9P4QPAwjqwyd379K0SYxQHnplgFYmhAkjd9soXCU8haX9hbBXKVKr_32HWGi9cLIJq7s6ooGAYU9qRS4CFN7M8v_NVin-_4lluiTiox8NuEQryuzJpf/s1600/oct+10+mha+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirQrIMdM4xpyrB3uOkKZ9G-0Dp9P4QPAwjqwyd379K0SYxQHnplgFYmhAkjd9soXCU8haX9hbBXKVKr_32HWGi9cLIJq7s6ooGAYU9qRS4CFN7M8v_NVin-_4lluiTiox8NuEQryuzJpf/s1600/oct+10+mha+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> -</b> I served as the NAMI Walks & Each Mind Matters mascot! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6rlPvowrk2OXd9pN-nza_FDiNEMGvOUFO35wEdGesD2lqg3OXUS-u8OhfkQk_P2Ob74Hw1izE1HSeqPhnnskKFnnp3oz5jhBdEkevKBEqjxmimwPfKGiC1jY_2MR8j7yt54LdehkxHJ/s1600/10418435_704905142911726_114538771740333987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6rlPvowrk2OXd9pN-nza_FDiNEMGvOUFO35wEdGesD2lqg3OXUS-u8OhfkQk_P2Ob74Hw1izE1HSeqPhnnskKFnnp3oz5jhBdEkevKBEqjxmimwPfKGiC1jY_2MR8j7yt54LdehkxHJ/s1600/10418435_704905142911726_114538771740333987_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxDp6uu4Q15Uk_S_yVInlBnxllUnFZFLVMQJSGGalnLDKWO8kh2gp6UAxtBIiMUkZcqTo-4eklRFq1uzKLLZGt2Z1o8OSZT1MV8ZHmCF_sYuMctm74eAeW1rlcEUCK02imF3oOgNDp10b/s1600/10689891_702582186477355_7104950822268735633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxDp6uu4Q15Uk_S_yVInlBnxllUnFZFLVMQJSGGalnLDKWO8kh2gp6UAxtBIiMUkZcqTo-4eklRFq1uzKLLZGt2Z1o8OSZT1MV8ZHmCF_sYuMctm74eAeW1rlcEUCK02imF3oOgNDp10b/s1600/10689891_702582186477355_7104950822268735633_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM1QHo5l3zNpqcGGl-lGaT29gPJD8RyNvN4jiEfCM9tdmO00uO14pVG7RQlvuPL0Op_Vvf6lJP88nS-fnNWdeoPvTEFQDnEC0Q2s1nWwc6Rdw2zTW6cjGB7X_XYdKt7XSIWY-EVDkuaVM/s1600/10653735_703053759763531_3283760561814605163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM1QHo5l3zNpqcGGl-lGaT29gPJD8RyNvN4jiEfCM9tdmO00uO14pVG7RQlvuPL0Op_Vvf6lJP88nS-fnNWdeoPvTEFQDnEC0Q2s1nWwc6Rdw2zTW6cjGB7X_XYdKt7XSIWY-EVDkuaVM/s1600/10653735_703053759763531_3283760561814605163_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6rlPvowrk2OXd9pN-nza_FDiNEMGvOUFO35wEdGesD2lqg3OXUS-u8OhfkQk_P2Ob74Hw1izE1HSeqPhnnskKFnnp3oz5jhBdEkevKBEqjxmimwPfKGiC1jY_2MR8j7yt54LdehkxHJ/s1600/10418435_704905142911726_114538771740333987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6rlPvowrk2OXd9pN-nza_FDiNEMGvOUFO35wEdGesD2lqg3OXUS-u8OhfkQk_P2Ob74Hw1izE1HSeqPhnnskKFnnp3oz5jhBdEkevKBEqjxmimwPfKGiC1jY_2MR8j7yt54LdehkxHJ/s1600/10418435_704905142911726_114538771740333987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6rlPvowrk2OXd9pN-nza_FDiNEMGvOUFO35wEdGesD2lqg3OXUS-u8OhfkQk_P2Ob74Hw1izE1HSeqPhnnskKFnnp3oz5jhBdEkevKBEqjxmimwPfKGiC1jY_2MR8j7yt54LdehkxHJ/s1600/10418435_704905142911726_114538771740333987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</a>
- I was keynote speaker (Believing in Me: My Journey to Finding My Self-Worth) & workshop presenter (Coping with Bullying & Developing Intervention Strategies) for LACDMH's 9th Annual Asian & Pacific Islander Hope & Recovery Conference.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdIR05oB84nsiuGNeiNnTqqmoKAD5swbWJbA0iMBrluFknYtjWp9lNcpZmECezXcGrtu6xoruW28QBqY1nwTxVpqHk6g6yV_siDuq3nMcRadnZ5WGiNbroEjQ73xRHvU8HA1AyaWvTJe3/s1600/10403109_10152997027355452_8909902077677232216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdIR05oB84nsiuGNeiNnTqqmoKAD5swbWJbA0iMBrluFknYtjWp9lNcpZmECezXcGrtu6xoruW28QBqY1nwTxVpqHk6g6yV_siDuq3nMcRadnZ5WGiNbroEjQ73xRHvU8HA1AyaWvTJe3/s1600/10403109_10152997027355452_8909902077677232216_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79fNR3sfrNbsvco6DZN-UE7wcNKPq0KUSolHZq_QIHsyIRPaFallhgb0d6LAdbKorg16WMfAu2Er77TdKCWb92oEpz0ldHeSpc_15yb3dHsme0_40yAXwRtqQHgQiH5FVMqkbPnQkAfbw/s1600/10881619_10152997015790452_8813929657490156856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79fNR3sfrNbsvco6DZN-UE7wcNKPq0KUSolHZq_QIHsyIRPaFallhgb0d6LAdbKorg16WMfAu2Er77TdKCWb92oEpz0ldHeSpc_15yb3dHsme0_40yAXwRtqQHgQiH5FVMqkbPnQkAfbw/s1600/10881619_10152997015790452_8813929657490156856_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUqE1FasXduN0nrV8ca0US6VdPIyIr5SnoygkHgnqu7KO0AlnlBgFTEj-CtAZA7f3jQnjI1zKQc7u5TpPv5WoBYdFa_AiEQAtJpBK9I0c-_Fmgxp6ed25tfJ5LFplKUf44of-zYdThg1l/s1600/Letter+from+Helena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUqE1FasXduN0nrV8ca0US6VdPIyIr5SnoygkHgnqu7KO0AlnlBgFTEj-CtAZA7f3jQnjI1zKQc7u5TpPv5WoBYdFa_AiEQAtJpBK9I0c-_Fmgxp6ed25tfJ5LFplKUf44of-zYdThg1l/s1600/Letter+from+Helena.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
<br />
- I was asked by Phil Yu (aka Angry Asian Man) to be the Angry Reader of the Week for Halloween Day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSZHfVcTC0MO9tfim_HUsQNCEBJ5psuGf1V12rtn1p2CJSH0V0H2_NlLXzsikzFxlNxIztQT3FFurkpRHWijME9AKNpm4JywIW_3lIjyaDC2ze9JphoLGfcvR6Yyle-IqTntHdfRGvAJt/s1600/emily+angry+asian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSZHfVcTC0MO9tfim_HUsQNCEBJ5psuGf1V12rtn1p2CJSH0V0H2_NlLXzsikzFxlNxIztQT3FFurkpRHWijME9AKNpm4JywIW_3lIjyaDC2ze9JphoLGfcvR6Yyle-IqTntHdfRGvAJt/s1600/emily+angry+asian.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In November 2014,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- I was a NAMI Ending the Silence Presenter with Letty Baldero at Verdugo Hills High School. There we spoke to 3 different classrooms about mental health. I shared my personal story of growing up with depression & also showed the EMM vignette as well! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZIFSEYZcnhso5zAp3-feC04ga-mQzPcMjsEwB6bcuuOoIIyclWBkXJh-tzubarDfL2dYIdvHeUfnFTn3Z84rOECmOX6pFcesvbwbmBCmcjvVjONLqFakxY9j979P_aaUKTIKK8cKLDY/s1600/10301207_10152891835255452_7379652745382148376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5jWxAOgvoqXLrOtdLLiFryTX2LW2nB9n2hhomZ3b5JUdPwCmiTYDO_g6A-JbTUheTuCWWd5jr08VOcunWtDNFl1IdhORjCgIArZEbi3gG_A-0oufre4Hcp_FoFkM_js7QbiqB29PZAp0/s1600/10394554_10152891824320452_1476187344290732532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZIFSEYZcnhso5zAp3-feC04ga-mQzPcMjsEwB6bcuuOoIIyclWBkXJh-tzubarDfL2dYIdvHeUfnFTn3Z84rOECmOX6pFcesvbwbmBCmcjvVjONLqFakxY9j979P_aaUKTIKK8cKLDY/s1600/10301207_10152891835255452_7379652745382148376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZIFSEYZcnhso5zAp3-feC04ga-mQzPcMjsEwB6bcuuOoIIyclWBkXJh-tzubarDfL2dYIdvHeUfnFTn3Z84rOECmOX6pFcesvbwbmBCmcjvVjONLqFakxY9j979P_aaUKTIKK8cKLDY/s1600/10301207_10152891835255452_7379652745382148376_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5jWxAOgvoqXLrOtdLLiFryTX2LW2nB9n2hhomZ3b5JUdPwCmiTYDO_g6A-JbTUheTuCWWd5jr08VOcunWtDNFl1IdhORjCgIArZEbi3gG_A-0oufre4Hcp_FoFkM_js7QbiqB29PZAp0/s1600/10394554_10152891824320452_1476187344290732532_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5jWxAOgvoqXLrOtdLLiFryTX2LW2nB9n2hhomZ3b5JUdPwCmiTYDO_g6A-JbTUheTuCWWd5jr08VOcunWtDNFl1IdhORjCgIArZEbi3gG_A-0oufre4Hcp_FoFkM_js7QbiqB29PZAp0/s1600/10394554_10152891824320452_1476187344290732532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBffU4j5nHkJ5khjb6yY1OUqq22mK2SQjZHm9xB92c68vHgux22yx7kagpnOLWkoLlqF372C8hKQwtJN7IZZnbidQ_PrYZ04p5ljrFJzkLdI76sztGI6m0Bu5LyPgymbGQyVHckr68saWj/s1600/10407886_10152891840480452_7938383655755080865_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- I was invited & honored to speak at USC to share my personal story growing up with depression & how I've learned to help me help myself. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFRt4EUd24D95F30gdiuGxvXV4WqH3a76mWpm0Y5Uw_5OgZiv3Tl5QbLzfWrf1dK8eAiaJsrIh8dtAHIIBY8QhafhdPBe1YSAG0aqiKRhVyKQLuHpGKP01RvhP4w-NW2z3TfBkl5vdEfM/s1600/1382313_10152923336095452_6324826903462528714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFRt4EUd24D95F30gdiuGxvXV4WqH3a76mWpm0Y5Uw_5OgZiv3Tl5QbLzfWrf1dK8eAiaJsrIh8dtAHIIBY8QhafhdPBe1YSAG0aqiKRhVyKQLuHpGKP01RvhP4w-NW2z3TfBkl5vdEfM/s1600/1382313_10152923336095452_6324826903462528714_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6udTKrPQyhNHEu5m31Mt0qJdke20XXqlTMHC9_yTF0yLkNGEMG2QNwHbPiRr9MOe2X4jL87D1y0UxMnABmliEUTUmBDIktNdHhnLLmeZKo-pFjCiEvFi1SL-Oh6BVneniT54c-QOKlQq/s1600/10806392_723703811031859_2109062594142986123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6udTKrPQyhNHEu5m31Mt0qJdke20XXqlTMHC9_yTF0yLkNGEMG2QNwHbPiRr9MOe2X4jL87D1y0UxMnABmliEUTUmBDIktNdHhnLLmeZKo-pFjCiEvFi1SL-Oh6BVneniT54c-QOKlQq/s1600/10806392_723703811031859_2109062594142986123_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZhKsF2G6f_p6QNg1DZg3GnfL2aclw176Xq4I8WeJ-bm5oNNP0ljA3cqxIMK-eJ8g_Ur9uvAOoKW7_P2VIIiBVGGlI4ICe8K5Wmb0vUaQSLxT_XUQH6GSEFqrBjmDvX7ufOjoE_EadleH/s1600/1656185_715773828491524_8328002505327117299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZhKsF2G6f_p6QNg1DZg3GnfL2aclw176Xq4I8WeJ-bm5oNNP0ljA3cqxIMK-eJ8g_Ur9uvAOoKW7_P2VIIiBVGGlI4ICe8K5Wmb0vUaQSLxT_XUQH6GSEFqrBjmDvX7ufOjoE_EadleH/s1600/1656185_715773828491524_8328002505327117299_n.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>In December 2014, </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I completed the Coming Out Proud program with Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J02SqyJYtGrBdQfDVMUGg-8x-PEotJmhMESV4jTB4BC4_MTe8I7A1_yyc0YVIDbJZZC2vFkHVWT6T7yN_nOVzQ_n6SbMn_cIVxzH95mTqiG-vj8uFSKz_WiMv9uxkZLhJASPVNxZzc4k/s1600/photo+(1).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J02SqyJYtGrBdQfDVMUGg-8x-PEotJmhMESV4jTB4BC4_MTe8I7A1_yyc0YVIDbJZZC2vFkHVWT6T7yN_nOVzQ_n6SbMn_cIVxzH95mTqiG-vj8uFSKz_WiMv9uxkZLhJASPVNxZzc4k/s1600/photo+(1).PNG" width="232" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I attended my 1st LA County Mental Health Commission Town Hall Meeting. As a resident of San Gabriel Valley
(Service Area 3), I spoke before the commissioners to explain my
challenges in Summer 2013 accessing affordable mental healthcare. I know
it looks like I was crying, but I wasn't. I spoke out remembering the
emotional struggle I endured. I made several points about community
stigma & also explained that if I had a difficult time accessing
affordable mental healthcare in English, imagine how difficult it would
be for a person NOT fluent in English to navigate the system! My story
had to be said because my experiences could be a similar to that of
others!</span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"><span class="fcg"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeZeweApJpMbh0Bg4QO9tNPhd-auA3WbqOS40F6MMKOe87pvNtKr_8BB25KCECB43BiPK7sT4_EFvw3zREtHN_cKU6pkTJCUjE0tJzVPrb-qx4nt_4KVNfc5N4XA4LYrJqfmaoOO4Xc0E/s1600/10390459_10152986272125452_7480521751794503767_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeZeweApJpMbh0Bg4QO9tNPhd-auA3WbqOS40F6MMKOe87pvNtKr_8BB25KCECB43BiPK7sT4_EFvw3zREtHN_cKU6pkTJCUjE0tJzVPrb-qx4nt_4KVNfc5N4XA4LYrJqfmaoOO4Xc0E/s1600/10390459_10152986272125452_7480521751794503767_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
- I was nominated for the WEGO Health Activist Awards here: <a href="https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12245">https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12245 </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihFKmlR9jj3hYq6rEVonb3Ta0nrjp0uwvtlWjKf2-tnxSYf_QsxCZ2mZ4osROeo1Neecq2zIZXt75U_OxTIpuw6DZy27mQxLCYXmH8IASFQtzoyvbnxJlCUJZIpl0K2QZE9ObAi8GVsGm/s1600/wego+health+activist+nomination+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihFKmlR9jj3hYq6rEVonb3Ta0nrjp0uwvtlWjKf2-tnxSYf_QsxCZ2mZ4osROeo1Neecq2zIZXt75U_OxTIpuw6DZy27mQxLCYXmH8IASFQtzoyvbnxJlCUJZIpl0K2QZE9ObAi8GVsGm/s1600/wego+health+activist+nomination+profile.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>In January 2015, </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- StigmaFighters.com featured my story on their website! =) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d_cP5PE0L4KEADcneyf5WfI1pu93LCwjyrxmJ-vqSWJxYtEIFzP_1FpDnXNAE98YyDTdPce9xThzaZSbC8nOq2o-zXog4RXV8ERo-GdnRgGJVzM9zwB7RZNLXFrR1wQLrk5xEKZIOjpL/s1600/stigma+fighters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d_cP5PE0L4KEADcneyf5WfI1pu93LCwjyrxmJ-vqSWJxYtEIFzP_1FpDnXNAE98YyDTdPce9xThzaZSbC8nOq2o-zXog4RXV8ERo-GdnRgGJVzM9zwB7RZNLXFrR1wQLrk5xEKZIOjpL/s1600/stigma+fighters.JPG" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I was selected for a two year term to make a difference at the state-level for the <a href="http://www.mhsoac.ca.gov/Committees/Committees.aspx">Client & Family Leadership Committee (CFLC)</a> for the <a href="http://www.mhsoac.ca.gov/">Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission (MHSOAC)</a>! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMIKrtdfg-0CUsbxDpHLh8OLUnarX523Us7PlqI_yM_83k2wwy44gvbBEBAoonHZ_-vW4ILFOAkpCv7RCRCsevjh4f42Eqvc8E0eHpz3x_K2GWjXUOka-9nM7xzGxRetNlgPBAWMGlZdh/s1600/10915256_10153047284315452_8500069391430334841_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMIKrtdfg-0CUsbxDpHLh8OLUnarX523Us7PlqI_yM_83k2wwy44gvbBEBAoonHZ_-vW4ILFOAkpCv7RCRCsevjh4f42Eqvc8E0eHpz3x_K2GWjXUOka-9nM7xzGxRetNlgPBAWMGlZdh/s1600/10915256_10153047284315452_8500069391430334841_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I was selected to be 1 of 25 fellows for the <a href="http://mentalhealthsf.org/programs/the-center/">Center for Dignity, Recovery and Empowerment </a><a href="http://www.dignityandrecoverycenter.org/fellowship-programs/">Fellowship</a>! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNIayctjA7IDQEkDKyjvEYwUM9QqV352lP2kYn5PhJloaChq7RiTCkF_hnd0PLqpi2IZ5iZuli8L9jsayvY2at3sX-3qCAtsYWqlThPBd3tTaZFtHb2npo3GD_9cBggI4FIZfKL6Bfugh/s1600/10897784_10153063166450452_7119626893642944153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNIayctjA7IDQEkDKyjvEYwUM9QqV352lP2kYn5PhJloaChq7RiTCkF_hnd0PLqpi2IZ5iZuli8L9jsayvY2at3sX-3qCAtsYWqlThPBd3tTaZFtHb2npo3GD_9cBggI4FIZfKL6Bfugh/s1600/10897784_10153063166450452_7119626893642944153_n.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I was invited to speak at <a href="http://www.thebrighteststar.org/">The Brightest Star</a>'s <a href="http://comingoutproudprogram.org/">Coming Out Proud</a> training to share my story. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzcqbuoIUROy_vtoYHsfKmJnnCRaOE3eAml58gWJd6cPGhYl10So6mCBSfcfYiy6kGRv7bj8vzfur-7oTm9NQBOmBaiod8bgpP9utpLZ8zGxPyRcPeJ_eSs64TB4-Zs4VbADpDIbOIH3Z/s1600/10931292_10153086202525452_1886972066008234004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzcqbuoIUROy_vtoYHsfKmJnnCRaOE3eAml58gWJd6cPGhYl10So6mCBSfcfYiy6kGRv7bj8vzfur-7oTm9NQBOmBaiod8bgpP9utpLZ8zGxPyRcPeJ_eSs64TB4-Zs4VbADpDIbOIH3Z/s1600/10931292_10153086202525452_1886972066008234004_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSfqx959prry-6vs-JUdh-cBbW1GXaDNTsJ1sKRBb_IQy-Qo8JmzaxlpnpOOGRziKPOAUF7iQsfnlsmnoO2hYiBaAX-SD2vFXmD-uY970fAV97yzvIV4bFaAmrfkfyVciFj61hFTZe43y/s1600/1505563_10153086203475452_1071059131163630453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSfqx959prry-6vs-JUdh-cBbW1GXaDNTsJ1sKRBb_IQy-Qo8JmzaxlpnpOOGRziKPOAUF7iQsfnlsmnoO2hYiBaAX-SD2vFXmD-uY970fAV97yzvIV4bFaAmrfkfyVciFj61hFTZe43y/s1600/1505563_10153086203475452_1071059131163630453_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I found out that my face is being used for the <a href="http://www.togetheragainststigma.org/pod/conference-video">conference video</a> to promote the <a href="http://www.togetheragainststigma.org/">"Together Against Stigma" Feb 17-20 Conference</a> in San Francisco! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z1YwqSWGRK3VMlxWjCWSWgKL1Jo6UsBEmjvIy5PHncrfdtJtuF7HjfOO7bWtEhay4tMg1cQVkNButy4mY-fsAlC0dYDK5k0V5yCMhzUchf7NePq4Tq47MkjSLJu4qAIjgXdpnp5VzTin/s1600/10931478_748326265236280_2654029268728954823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z1YwqSWGRK3VMlxWjCWSWgKL1Jo6UsBEmjvIy5PHncrfdtJtuF7HjfOO7bWtEhay4tMg1cQVkNButy4mY-fsAlC0dYDK5k0V5yCMhzUchf7NePq4Tq47MkjSLJu4qAIjgXdpnp5VzTin/s1600/10931478_748326265236280_2654029268728954823_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I spoke before the <a href="http://bos.co.la.ca.us/">LA County Board of Supervisors</a> to comment on how difficult it is for new clients to navigate the mental health system. Although I was only given a minute, they fortunately did not cut me off beyond the minute! Haha! Below is part of the <a href="http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/transcripts/01-13-15%20Board%20Meeting%20Transcript.pdf">transcript</a> when I spoke. <br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFANzkDRcy7KP7apLouccPDVurHC90eYG0Bjso1KgdBxYJJ_3t_InXX8jZsSkuE9rb134NJlQQhMWIOOvxdxSlalgazv2b2YJzTUpM_S6JtDZWFOW_bsLZbt-bIr6xIN8pjKrYNx3UIydC/s1600/10409543_10153105148185452_540654828957866614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFANzkDRcy7KP7apLouccPDVurHC90eYG0Bjso1KgdBxYJJ_3t_InXX8jZsSkuE9rb134NJlQQhMWIOOvxdxSlalgazv2b2YJzTUpM_S6JtDZWFOW_bsLZbt-bIr6xIN8pjKrYNx3UIydC/s320/10409543_10153105148185452_540654828957866614_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYic_3O8ibb9L7n27kild-dcuiDlwA28qvo7KaP9KticxWC9R6x_cYvFqKkvqdBtXojjVvbSlFv1lzZJH2eE49VBSnqwGIkWX4qVxQWSC1evrLeUn5d-_1ygiyT1LHLD751-kSlglaPqIJ/s1600/10941850_10153081686460452_1184701088320389814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYic_3O8ibb9L7n27kild-dcuiDlwA28qvo7KaP9KticxWC9R6x_cYvFqKkvqdBtXojjVvbSlFv1lzZJH2eE49VBSnqwGIkWX4qVxQWSC1evrLeUn5d-_1ygiyT1LHLD751-kSlglaPqIJ/s200/10941850_10153081686460452_1184701088320389814_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25vWnSxkwqmuymXNrmKy-v2cPV4eBG4Ri9y5k5Gv0axIPxbhpCaCkwj536FnhvUklrwxyQ-kZIfVGuzt-6drNy08ayr8Bo8oubWQnz_BOZkIP-LzSP_mMjlp8_tHoBVmoyPxiXz2NjSSJ/s1600/10407714_10153081686480452_424049834342028078_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25vWnSxkwqmuymXNrmKy-v2cPV4eBG4Ri9y5k5Gv0axIPxbhpCaCkwj536FnhvUklrwxyQ-kZIfVGuzt-6drNy08ayr8Bo8oubWQnz_BOZkIP-LzSP_mMjlp8_tHoBVmoyPxiXz2NjSSJ/s200/10407714_10153081686480452_424049834342028078_n.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4Ab1JrfQwkgV3VR_-I5eryFOcGvyqc9Sk84RpkByfs_w0g5gO6XORiQhVGtpjo2EfVT7fLvHCacU9F1tbFvSbrNEztc9QenrvarUDYqMaakgP44ajKIDfpOn7rxY6V-4SDyxBo__xoyo/s1600/10632736_10153140348735452_5213766843448847058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4Ab1JrfQwkgV3VR_-I5eryFOcGvyqc9Sk84RpkByfs_w0g5gO6XORiQhVGtpjo2EfVT7fLvHCacU9F1tbFvSbrNEztc9QenrvarUDYqMaakgP44ajKIDfpOn7rxY6V-4SDyxBo__xoyo/s400/10632736_10153140348735452_5213766843448847058_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_62YbIThv-8xgp4POG3JVm1l-l5OF2blbtM3Tc6SeLbM4-focs9QUiux2vX5ZofFAnq5jvt3sp2LH60clkAyQOv8gf6JtVQ5brBiytU9UsfFYV9VdkEu7-Xy6PxlSJlOPXw50LBVQYHZ/s1600/10933878_10153081686520452_7304559020656224648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_62YbIThv-8xgp4POG3JVm1l-l5OF2blbtM3Tc6SeLbM4-focs9QUiux2vX5ZofFAnq5jvt3sp2LH60clkAyQOv8gf6JtVQ5brBiytU9UsfFYV9VdkEu7-Xy6PxlSJlOPXw50LBVQYHZ/s200/10933878_10153081686520452_7304559020656224648_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I completed the <a href="http://www.emotional-cpr.org/">Emotional CPR</a> 2-day training which was led by facilitators the <a href="http://www.power2u.org/">National Empowerment Center</a>, including Dr. Dan Fischer! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OU3Vot4yfUtQWO8OMSwBkt9RfYoMkLkntaiNc8DqHvWSc2tr8Y2nmDvvHD2HZN6J6eLHbRNC1PGf4Z3ub_bQTPI4LjqbgQ0urqNnOTPXKjIi00N02jZ6DIybkJMF_3pBzyxAwnuFFzOS/s1600/10460462_10153079081760452_1808077443358776513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OU3Vot4yfUtQWO8OMSwBkt9RfYoMkLkntaiNc8DqHvWSc2tr8Y2nmDvvHD2HZN6J6eLHbRNC1PGf4Z3ub_bQTPI4LjqbgQ0urqNnOTPXKjIi00N02jZ6DIybkJMF_3pBzyxAwnuFFzOS/s1600/10460462_10153079081760452_1808077443358776513_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sSKczQHbGbgrlcmdsOaRTn-j7E-z7ImA2saFnBbTxVxWgv3SF-FtTvEw1m6tWZlhVY26qk3HzUFdz-ELyjjEp1tFoE_NBK5l0vqRfBn6mvhXO7glpVdhHMGwWndayHj2dvJTh9hrsnyj/s1600/10754205_10153079286755452_1909561343_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sSKczQHbGbgrlcmdsOaRTn-j7E-z7ImA2saFnBbTxVxWgv3SF-FtTvEw1m6tWZlhVY26qk3HzUFdz-ELyjjEp1tFoE_NBK5l0vqRfBn6mvhXO7glpVdhHMGwWndayHj2dvJTh9hrsnyj/s320/10754205_10153079286755452_1909561343_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- To recognize my efforts for the California Mental Health Movement, Each Mind Matters, I was given the official title of "Team Lead" for Each Mind Matters in Los Angeles! =) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- I was invited to the Monterey Park LAMP Optimist Club's meeting to share my story. When I was given only 20 minutes to speak, they let me go on for another 25 minutes! Haha! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nxXdFu59wNpHgQkzrBh7u_Z-sREV3Of1uraTb2al23GyUcJzKmTM8US1C7GOxIpwkc7JVvPDX6MdD2xWJJVcqHNUfdlJZiDm1TsHE9UNQN5uLv6FWI2-fHAVOm_20QLib4JqW7zt2Rm4/s1600/10929001_10203457025732907_7276835892133175592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nxXdFu59wNpHgQkzrBh7u_Z-sREV3Of1uraTb2al23GyUcJzKmTM8US1C7GOxIpwkc7JVvPDX6MdD2xWJJVcqHNUfdlJZiDm1TsHE9UNQN5uLv6FWI2-fHAVOm_20QLib4JqW7zt2Rm4/s1600/10929001_10203457025732907_7276835892133175592_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>- Next things on my schedule are... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) Next <a href="https://asiancoalitionlacdmh.wordpress.com/">Asian Coalition</a> monthly meeting on Jan 23rd - I asked <a href="http://www.suzannewhang.com/about/">Suzanne Whang</a> to be our next honored guest speaker to be our next profile of hope in recovery & healing. She is a television host, actor, stand-up comedian, emcee, keynote speaker,
political activist, minister, radio host, published author, and stage 4
breast cancer thriver. She will be speaking about her mental health while dealing with breast cancer. Suzanne now is completely cancer-free. She is currently writing a book about her miraculous journey back to health. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Jan 24th speaking engagement at my alma mater UC Irvine for the <a href="http://apaac2015.weebly.com/">30th Annual Asian Pacific American Awareness Conference "What is Asian America?"</a> scheduled for January 24th to do a workshop presentation called <a href="http://apaac2015.weebly.com/session-3.html">"Breaking Down the Walls of Perfectionism & Finding My Self-Worth." </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOaMEwmqN-YLHY-D6QmlDBBZMi-qeyxV6EWctaKFKwabhx1zPg3j9Rl2wpRjRlPqNf0nR3eJeNHzoGd-B2X9DxJhWRTcXHnLyVWin2lQMVa7t9IrtmxGV2WVTpTjNiAWJ0ovpUCIzlmfY/s1600/10917846_746258948776345_6913843899642256979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOaMEwmqN-YLHY-D6QmlDBBZMi-qeyxV6EWctaKFKwabhx1zPg3j9Rl2wpRjRlPqNf0nR3eJeNHzoGd-B2X9DxJhWRTcXHnLyVWin2lQMVa7t9IrtmxGV2WVTpTjNiAWJ0ovpUCIzlmfY/s1600/10917846_746258948776345_6913843899642256979_n.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Feb 2nd speaking engagement & panel speaker at UCLA's <span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Illuminate: Underneath the Layers of Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health" data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Illuminate: Underneath the Layers of Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health" data-type="ent:event" data-uid="488519114619507"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/488519114619507/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular">Illuminate: Underneath the Layers of Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health</a> hosted by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Asian-Pacific-Coalition/74660041277">Asian Pacific Coalition</a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb842OkO9q3X96kJl4dMn-AshBN2mCtnnC-ryg84ymqVvA9MgzOf7oYimO4eBu1w3N7wI913jpWCNnr4H3wfQqpYzzcP7yx73XOocPkG3O_dIMPX-vGsAfiO21XQb2CgWhE4gXK32aApm/s1600/10906311_10152949148926278_1207314532237458935_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb842OkO9q3X96kJl4dMn-AshBN2mCtnnC-ryg84ymqVvA9MgzOf7oYimO4eBu1w3N7wI913jpWCNnr4H3wfQqpYzzcP7yx73XOocPkG3O_dIMPX-vGsAfiO21XQb2CgWhE4gXK32aApm/s1600/10906311_10152949148926278_1207314532237458935_n.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4) Feb 6 - Recovery International support group facilitator training event with students of USC Free Minds United </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5) April 8 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/694382167324643/">3rd Annual Asian Coalition Conference at the California Endowment </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-gIN_hQ6iw8s%2FVLyiyDSGKQI%2FAAAAAAAAC78%2FzIFgWcRl1pk%2Fs1600%2F10301207_10152891835255452_7379652745382148376_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZIFSEYZcnhso5zAp3-feC04ga-mQzPcMjsEwB6bcuuOoIIyclWBkXJh-tzubarDfL2dYIdvHeUfnFTn3Z84rOECmOX6pFcesvbwbmBCmcjvVjONLqFakxY9j979P_aaUKTIKK8cKLDY/s1600/10301207_10152891835255452_7379652745382148376_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EZjVFsHAnH4%2FVLyaNJ-Sp9I%2FAAAAAAAAC7A%2F5WPKutz_5qc%2Fs1600%2F10689891_702582186477355_7104950822268735633_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxDp6uu4Q15Uk_S_yVInlBnxllUnFZFLVMQJSGGalnLDKWO8kh2gp6UAxtBIiMUkZcqTo-4eklRFq1uzKLLZGt2Z1o8OSZT1MV8ZHmCF_sYuMctm74eAeW1rlcEUCK02imF3oOgNDp10b/s1600/10689891_702582186477355_7104950822268735633_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_ZWhmlMxdk8%2FVLy414mictI%2FAAAAAAAAC98%2FRxxml3if-s8%2Fs1600%2F10941850_10153081686460452_1184701088320389814_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYic_3O8ibb9L7n27kild-dcuiDlwA28qvo7KaP9KticxWC9R6x_cYvFqKkvqdBtXojjVvbSlFv1lzZJH2eE49VBSnqwGIkWX4qVxQWSC1evrLeUn5d-_1ygiyT1LHLD751-kSlglaPqIJ/s1600/10941850_10153081686460452_1184701088320389814_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-2yQ088MNXsw%2FVLyiyIC9FqI%2FAAAAAAAAC8I%2FLjft2HKi2zY%2Fs1600%2F10394554_10152891824320452_1476187344290732532_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5jWxAOgvoqXLrOtdLLiFryTX2LW2nB9n2hhomZ3b5JUdPwCmiTYDO_g6A-JbTUheTuCWWd5jr08VOcunWtDNFl1IdhORjCgIArZEbi3gG_A-0oufre4Hcp_FoFkM_js7QbiqB29PZAp0/s1600/10394554_10152891824320452_1476187344290732532_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-M7xKDDUw9hw%2FVH7H9XhtEiI%2FAAAAAAAAC18%2F5KxXPS8glkk%2Fs1600%2F10418435_704905142911726_114538771740333987_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6rlPvowrk2OXd9pN-nza_FDiNEMGvOUFO35wEdGesD2lqg3OXUS-u8OhfkQk_P2Ob74Hw1izE1HSeqPhnnskKFnnp3oz5jhBdEkevKBEqjxmimwPfKGiC1jY_2MR8j7yt54LdehkxHJ/s1600/10418435_704905142911726_114538771740333987_n.jpg" -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-83838008088979178952014-12-31T02:05:00.001-08:002014-12-31T02:06:42.851-08:00angry asian man: Angry Reader of the Week: Emily Wu Truong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpDjcr_YBUueK2U_5uE8cOxdrDp8Wx_pNpkcy82l0_CWamhSNau7Bu9pVpKyeZyehlkKhbGk-VR8_PbLXP6yzDv6QecoPNblKcjLTDfc2jNaYI18NUnVoHip9pZA8HYRQOnGe8tBNB6eY/s1600/005-angryreader_emilywutruong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpDjcr_YBUueK2U_5uE8cOxdrDp8Wx_pNpkcy82l0_CWamhSNau7Bu9pVpKyeZyehlkKhbGk-VR8_PbLXP6yzDv6QecoPNblKcjLTDfc2jNaYI18NUnVoHip9pZA8HYRQOnGe8tBNB6eY/s1600/005-angryreader_emilywutruong.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://blog.angryasianman.com/2014/10/angry-reader-of-week-emily-wu-truong.html?spref=bl">angry asian man: Angry Reader of the Week: Emily Wu Truong</a>: "We can't enjoy the highs without the lows, right?" Hey, everybody! Happy Halloween. Put the candy aside for a second, because...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSZHfVcTC0MO9tfim_HUsQNCEBJ5psuGf1V12rtn1p2CJSH0V0H2_NlLXzsikzFxlNxIztQT3FFurkpRHWijME9AKNpm4JywIW_3lIjyaDC2ze9JphoLGfcvR6Yyle-IqTntHdfRGvAJt/s1600/emily+angry+asian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSZHfVcTC0MO9tfim_HUsQNCEBJ5psuGf1V12rtn1p2CJSH0V0H2_NlLXzsikzFxlNxIztQT3FFurkpRHWijME9AKNpm4JywIW_3lIjyaDC2ze9JphoLGfcvR6Yyle-IqTntHdfRGvAJt/s1600/emily+angry+asian.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-68828592660725469722014-04-15T00:59:00.001-07:002014-04-16T14:07:18.630-07:00The Dialogue re: Straight As in the San Marino Community Continues! =D<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As a mental health advocate, I was happy to receive this below email from the San Marino Unified School District. In response, I wrote this email to important members related to San Marino community & San Gabriel Valley. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuAxN9IbtwaNx2VvKBNTiq4GXlkasRKkMKhkcqgRAhmgOuZslRXBze1PeCAjl3C8kUN6iNQTCURN6Xaqijd4w7EE1PamP4MuNbVYmcIvbUWidOFcnA9MGLh1yu0VN6DC5s1jHeCCFb11H/s640/blogger-image--1140565787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuAxN9IbtwaNx2VvKBNTiq4GXlkasRKkMKhkcqgRAhmgOuZslRXBze1PeCAjl3C8kUN6iNQTCURN6Xaqijd4w7EE1PamP4MuNbVYmcIvbUWidOFcnA9MGLh1yu0VN6DC5s1jHeCCFb11H/s1600/blogger-image--1140565787.jpg" /></a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dear Valued Community Members, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was pleased to see this afternoon the below email from Partnership for Awareness fall in my inbox today. As a student who grew up in the San Marino Unified School District & mental health advocate, my heart is happy to hear that this event is happening. :) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please find the below invitation for speaking engagement by Dr. Rocco Cheng of Pacific Clinics. He will speak to members of the San Marino community re: "Your Straight A Child: The Foundations & Cost of Success" at the Chinese Club of San Marino, located at <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="address" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2425 Huntington Dr., San Marino, CA 91108</a>. The event will begin <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 7pm</a>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Back in Feb 2010, I was honored to have the opportunity to do a talk with the PTA San Marino Chinese Club to address the generation gap (between 1st & 2nd generation in Asian immigrant families)" & speak on my personal experiences of what it was like to be a product of the SMUSD. See below for the prior info from my talk from 2010. I would not have been able to hold that talk without the help of Lindsey Huang, Zehra Sun, Linda Sun, & Liz Kneier. So knowing that this event is happening is like a continued dialogue but this time with a mental health expert. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I hope Dr. Rocco Cheng's speaking engagement will help to provide better understanding for the San Marino community (parents & school administrators) to know the signs in our SMUSD students indicating any mental health issues. The better we are all educated in mental health matters, the more we can do a better service for our youth & alleviate the stigma on mental health issues.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you Dr. Rocco Cheng ahead of time for coming out to San Marino <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">this Thursday evening</a>! :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOo0YgUGLGWnxQM8dHae1JScK1CCRWhfg70GKUPCdKB3rU0oBbGcqym1mhUTt1AvWzaCRmLG3kc2VRWjdRf6qj8mv9RqzNV09iubyC7mz0b17L5AR8DZVMlFxweESkpWu4mbbhoJQy3idS/s640/blogger-image--1233239640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOo0YgUGLGWnxQM8dHae1JScK1CCRWhfg70GKUPCdKB3rU0oBbGcqym1mhUTt1AvWzaCRmLG3kc2VRWjdRf6qj8mv9RqzNV09iubyC7mz0b17L5AR8DZVMlFxweESkpWu4mbbhoJQy3idS/s640/blogger-image--1233239640.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you Partnership for Awareness for scheduling this event on such an important subject for our SMUSD students. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm very grateful that this dialogue is happening again in San Marino. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Emily Wu Truong (吳怡萱) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Community Activist for Mental Health Awareness </span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ABOUT ME: <a href="http://about.me/luvmily" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://about.me/luvmily</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">BLOGGER: <a href="http://mlewu.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mlewu.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FACEBOOK:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MLEWu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MLEWu</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">YOUTUBE: <a href="http://youtube.com/luvpegasus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://youtube.com/luvpegasus</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">LINKEDIN:<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/missemilywu" rel="nofollow me" target="_blank">http://www.linkedin.com/in/missemilywu</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">TWITTER: <a href="http://twitter.com/emilywspeaks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/emilywspeaks</a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/emilywspeaks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash1/s48x48/372807_153122088161380_1028009520_q.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;">
<blockquote type="cite">
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Emily’s Former Biography from Feb 2010</span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Emily Wu (<span lang="JA">吳</span><span lang="JA">怡</span><span lang="JA">萱</span>) is an alumna of the San Marino School District having gone from K.L Carver School to Huntington School, and then San Marino High School. At U.C. Irvine, Emily studied Psychology & Social Behavior with a minor in Education. Life has taken Emily through many circumstances which have led her to become an optimistic and passionate individual. While determining which occupational direction to take in life, Emily considered becoming a public school teacher and then a marriage & family therapist. However, she saw a need for a greater societal changes to create a more peaceful and functioning society. This was when Emily decided to work towards becoming a motivational speaker, and she dreams of becoming the Asian American version of Oprah Winfrey, a talk show host in the English-speaking mainstream media. </span></h1>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite">
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Brief Synopsis of Emily’s Speech</span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><u>Addressing the Generation Disconnect</u> By Emily Wu (<span lang="JA">吳</span><span lang="JA">怡</span><span lang="JA">萱</span>)<u></u></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Are you a parent who stresses the importance of education & straight As to your children? Do you have children who don't seem to listen to you when you tell them what to do? Is it difficult for you to communicate your values to your children? If you find yourself saying "Yes" to any of these questions, you may be involved in "the generation disconnect" with your kids. </span></h1>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite">
<h1>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnfS-keXEitSdMOh2xUWTeUTQ8nynlh6xYoE9XwCYrU-Z1sTaKEkvX7-tsrbH-GZgknYq2ZnQ0yEOkwoGMq9Ekm_Na1Vl0rjjQG0PslnKDnQDvy8cEQ5ACS8-2emlGSSUvtfL_G4qHgCa/s640/blogger-image-1121123006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnfS-keXEitSdMOh2xUWTeUTQ8nynlh6xYoE9XwCYrU-Z1sTaKEkvX7-tsrbH-GZgknYq2ZnQ0yEOkwoGMq9Ekm_Na1Vl0rjjQG0PslnKDnQDvy8cEQ5ACS8-2emlGSSUvtfL_G4qHgCa/s400/blogger-image-1121123006.jpg" width="400" /></a>I</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal;">At the next PTA seminar, Emily Wu, an alumna of the San Marino School District, will come to share her personal experiences & struggles of what it was like to grow up in the SMUSD. Emily will address common issues among Asian families, share her personal struggles having grown up in an Asian family, and discuss possible solutions that can help you build a better relationship with your child. </span></h1>
</blockquote>
<div>
<h1>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span></h1>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-56587941780324841082014-04-12T04:21:00.001-07:002014-04-12T22:41:01.205-07:00Happy Birthday, Ahma!<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKcqGIRwg7fMijthFBEVQv40H1ULz8Qr3t6oBRM4n0f675o9bM5ebvFYjng9jF5LuHXxRIpV5dQOiYXF3jApizJtUUIF04WQfUPraYA6MwrV041z9EXDYaGr_vZ5gWftgkdpgjs2shIYT/s640/blogger-image--2142579176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKcqGIRwg7fMijthFBEVQv40H1ULz8Qr3t6oBRM4n0f675o9bM5ebvFYjng9jF5LuHXxRIpV5dQOiYXF3jApizJtUUIF04WQfUPraYA6MwrV041z9EXDYaGr_vZ5gWftgkdpgjs2shIYT/s400/blogger-image--2142579176.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today, I remember my Grandma (Spoken as "Ahma" in Taiwanese) in honor of her birthday today April 12th. My Grandpa's birthday was also recent on March 25. Among them both, I had closer relations with my Ahma. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left;">Among relatives, she was the 1st one close to my heart to pass away. I still remember the last night I stayed with her in the Alhambra Hospital, & a few days later, she passed away. However, she never truly died. Her loving sp</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; text-align: left;">irit still lives within me.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"></span>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRPNPJBLpqNuKobKIF7y0N2N2gGBascuMoDkkhRIUfMDFxT-P63HM7MgfNIm-6DeRtgHq0BjshiAxmwRF9KGvafxNe3ty1hf-Ac_ahvewWxXP2ZJ8o36JFiDdKIHGSWFF5v2ih-HH8nlq/s640/blogger-image-450146436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRPNPJBLpqNuKobKIF7y0N2N2gGBascuMoDkkhRIUfMDFxT-P63HM7MgfNIm-6DeRtgHq0BjshiAxmwRF9KGvafxNe3ty1hf-Ac_ahvewWxXP2ZJ8o36JFiDdKIHGSWFF5v2ih-HH8nlq/s320/blogger-image-450146436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">
</span>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2seQTfL3RVvufH-4OVhBYfTXCRIhIAOMhm4269q0xR-3cp6MyXHSmoY6dBalTfFvQg3JmPAit7B4rYDFX7AhiiILppbuqI-EMaUrugOnIFkUVeuofed_PpBY_xTj_m81lLkgS1JQcDoF/s640/blogger-image-1892951653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2seQTfL3RVvufH-4OVhBYfTXCRIhIAOMhm4269q0xR-3cp6MyXHSmoY6dBalTfFvQg3JmPAit7B4rYDFX7AhiiILppbuqI-EMaUrugOnIFkUVeuofed_PpBY_xTj_m81lLkgS1JQcDoF/s400/blogger-image-1892951653.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">I love you, Ahma. I hope I've made you proud. I know I'm proud of me, & I'm proud of you. You gave birth to my wonderful mother, who gave birth to me!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: -webkit-auto;">While I was growing up, you showed me SO much love and told me how precious I was. Thank you for being a part of my life, Ahma!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Happy Birthday! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">生日快樂!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">誕生日おめでとう!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Love from y</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">our Granddaughter, </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Emily </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">吳怡萱</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZerBalF4f8lPBkXivl5vb_jiNeOw_-QwYFXNnvb4yRxX2LPc-AdDLCqfFV1tOBITUcikvEDohd8oolDjuHbXGvmWEjioicGj1uhmE1IKcDthHCJXv6U-yWEe9FdAniQviRyD8zAm2E_I/s640/blogger-image--1784367411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZerBalF4f8lPBkXivl5vb_jiNeOw_-QwYFXNnvb4yRxX2LPc-AdDLCqfFV1tOBITUcikvEDohd8oolDjuHbXGvmWEjioicGj1uhmE1IKcDthHCJXv6U-yWEe9FdAniQviRyD8zAm2E_I/s320/blogger-image--1784367411.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-53151318412806441932014-04-11T12:26:00.004-07:002014-11-29T00:49:57.085-08:00Racial Stereotypes: To Continue or Break them?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;">Thank you, <a href="http://amst.umd.edu/People/shinagawa.htm">Larry Shinagawa</a>, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">Associate
Professor of American Studies and the Director of the </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.aast.umd.edu/"><span style="background: white; color: red; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Asian American Studies Program</span></a> at
the University of Maryland,</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;"> for your inspiration for this blog entry! You have inspired me to blog many of my recent thoughts out today! ;) </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">So (to readers) Larry openly asked on Facebook about others' opinions on whether there is a war between Latinos and Asians based on this article from Voxxi.com, </span><a href="http://voxxi.com/2014/04/03/political-war-between-latinos-asians/" style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The Undeclared Political War Between Latinos and Asians</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">. </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">This has been an interesting topic for me in the last few months especially with the whole controversial subject surrounding affirmative action and the SCA5 proposed by the Senator of my district, Dr. Ed Hernandez. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6_IKPHBsTjnlkoiqnTTBJfgkRtaRvpvFBlQ01xvFUJqnWsnjJ_vUVxeofD-KgDH33Bymr1ytQdBSXs0hB_BNiDSa8lfZXf7SfyMVG9TodIRRhA2NIXytpoteucNErjfjemHYJcW6GXCh/s1600/larry+asking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6_IKPHBsTjnlkoiqnTTBJfgkRtaRvpvFBlQ01xvFUJqnWsnjJ_vUVxeofD-KgDH33Bymr1ytQdBSXs0hB_BNiDSa8lfZXf7SfyMVG9TodIRRhA2NIXytpoteucNErjfjemHYJcW6GXCh/s1600/larry+asking.jpg" height="382" width="400"></a><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Is there an </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">undeclared</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> political war between Latinos and Asians? </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">In my opinion, there is NO war NOR competition. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I believe each racial group needs to change their culture in order to break down the
stereotypes and racial profiling that happens in our society. Each culture has
its own strengths and weaknesses. If the Hispanics and the African
Americans want to prioritize institutionalized education to help their children get ahead in life, their elders and leaders need to serve as role models inspiring the younger generation to WANT to go get that higher education. They need to take a GOOD look at their values to figure out what they
need to change about themselves for a better life and to create a more positive image for their racial group.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">In the last several years, while attending many events related to the Taiwanese American, Chinese American, and general Asian Pacific American communities, I have had conversations with others regarding race/ethnic groups, and this is what I have to say... </span><br>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Yes, it is unfortunate that Asian Americans sometimes are made fun of in the mainstream media, that is why it is good that we have groups like <a href="http://racebending.com/">Racebending.com</a>, <a href="http://www.manaa.org/">Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA)</a>, and <a href="http://www.angryasianman.com/%E2%80%8E">Angry Asian Man</a> to keep the media accountable and catch moments</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> when they find Asians/Asian Americans being disrespected on national television and on TV shows. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Yes, it is unfortunate that the U.S. mainstream media does not highlight or cast enough nor provide accurate representation of Asian/Asian American role models for our youth besides Bruce Lee, and other martial artists. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Yes, it is unfortunate that Asians/Asian Americans are stereotyped to fit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_minority">model minority myth</a> that provides the general public that ALL Asians/Asian Americans were/are straight A students and high-achieving who will become wealthy doctors or lawyers. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">But you know what? Even though this model minority myth exists and somewhat rings true to certain individuals, I know </span></span></span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;">for myself </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">that it does not describe me. Although I tell others that I am Taiwanese American and Asian American, I know there is NO way </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">that I can represent an entire race. Why? Because I am my OWN individual with my OWN values. Not everyone in my race/ethnic group shares the same values I do. Not everyone operates the same way I do. Being a 2nd generation Taiwanese American, I hold in my heart a mixture of Asian values and American values. As you can see, I am a very outspoken individual who is not afraid to speak to my thoughts, whereas most Asian Americans are not as vocal in fear they will lose face and become ostracized by their so-called friends and family.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYc791xgI7Earij3kcToPpc2c0yYKYDZRkBkkahyphenhyphen8Hzv-mtv8spIO-0Iw6CHTY7M5dX3F92QsxeD8PJ3j41DYk0ht9IWUVTqqbMxGkGDy9d4AiKhJQPljDpcT0nEfP0yXn8UgAEYDEUKO/s1600/1010949_489272144490920_188862598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYc791xgI7Earij3kcToPpc2c0yYKYDZRkBkkahyphenhyphen8Hzv-mtv8spIO-0Iw6CHTY7M5dX3F92QsxeD8PJ3j41DYk0ht9IWUVTqqbMxGkGDy9d4AiKhJQPljDpcT0nEfP0yXn8UgAEYDEUKO/s1600/1010949_489272144490920_188862598_n.jpg" height="301" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">To me, living in fear of others not liking you is a mental prison of low self-esteem, and I was in that prison WAY TOO LONG. That prison was mental darkness for me, living in a bird cage where I only hoped to one day escape. Unfortunately, when I tried to get out, I felt like I had no wings because I had no self-confidence. However, slowly but surely over the last 10 years since college, I have picked myself up one day at a time, and everyday I get myself through is an achievement in itself. =) </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">Although my Asians and Asian American brothers and sisters may disagree with my way of thinking, I know they are talented in their own ways; however, it seems that traditional Asians place TOO much value on institutionalized education. Because of that, it seems that they will determine a person's worth or how much
respect that person should get based on (1) how far one got in education, (2) whether
or not an individual has a Masters/PhD or not, or/and (3) what salary the person earns. Our Asian elders have taught us to be
book smart, to study hard, & just study study study! Some people go get higher degrees,
but they don't mature. Instead, they become more EGOTISTICAL because they think their education, salary, and job title make them elite and superior over others! But that is what I call INSECURITY. </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8z1sKlttCAHe-a4T4N0qM99fMZQ_5sI19C__ztYPh_H6nMc39dd3igJeybAZbhO25cyRbqef6KVOOvIMuyxfN525PTn6gObX3wYh-SZEKetb20fV558XyQluDhKHbinNWg0-_CoaQddf/s1600/1001321_561988653872845_487560840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8z1sKlttCAHe-a4T4N0qM99fMZQ_5sI19C__ztYPh_H6nMc39dd3igJeybAZbhO25cyRbqef6KVOOvIMuyxfN525PTn6gObX3wYh-SZEKetb20fV558XyQluDhKHbinNWg0-_CoaQddf/s1600/1001321_561988653872845_487560840_n.jpg" height="211" width="320"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zsHNNhRYV6wkaJbjMLbNavDn0c003xKhtUg9femc1U7IeFiohR2GSwU4n7JysPB1F0lbtHjc99x98zqxXnRjWIIWDNzc-s2TXHMiiZ_InatnkDxpdFHUOK4ZVEcofAoCcx8RsG3f0nFT/s1600/intelligence-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zsHNNhRYV6wkaJbjMLbNavDn0c003xKhtUg9femc1U7IeFiohR2GSwU4n7JysPB1F0lbtHjc99x98zqxXnRjWIIWDNzc-s2TXHMiiZ_InatnkDxpdFHUOK4ZVEcofAoCcx8RsG3f0nFT/s1600/intelligence-quote.jpg" height="320" width="225"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I strongly dislike when traditional elders are so incredibly negative towards our younger generation. They subject the younger generation to an emotional abuse which does not foster a loving relationship. They compare their kids to others' people's kids, constantly criticize and </span>accentuate<span style="font-family: inherit;"> their child's weaknesses, and overlook a their strengths, and judge them by their salary, job title, and education level. To only judge them, i</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">t's SO superficial, but I understand this can happen within ANY racial group! So NO racial group is better than any other! I would beg to differ with Amy Chua.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">I myself have no higher degree passed my Bachelors in Psychology and Social Behavior with a Minor in Education from UC Irvine over 10 years ago, but I know for
myself that I have become wise for my age, and my EQ is high. I struggled with depression because I did not feel like I was intelligent enough for my Asian community. I felt that I could not compare to others. However, now that I can found my self-worth, I KNOW that I touch hearts. I KNOW I touch lives. I KNOW I have SO MUCH to offer this world that does not know UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, COMPASSION, INTERNAL VALIDATION, MENTAL LIBERATION, PEACE OF MIND like I know. </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">When I told a group of Asian parents that I am an aspiring motivational speaker, a Taiwanese father asked me, "What gives you the credentials to be one?" I said, "Life experience." </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMPEz_r5Mq3MFTbW503VqVSziJ0QzxbPVBAV-IpMoOO6mM0bI4Pz5NhcRvxECKrxuKjoCw4kN-o4WK7GM7lguyE-cAz44Fd4qw03x229WqiXYHNn1RMU7CyR2vcBc2zKSCunAtC6KIMaN/s1600/10154282_10152402614705452_8689950498650252128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMPEz_r5Mq3MFTbW503VqVSziJ0QzxbPVBAV-IpMoOO6mM0bI4Pz5NhcRvxECKrxuKjoCw4kN-o4WK7GM7lguyE-cAz44Fd4qw03x229WqiXYHNn1RMU7CyR2vcBc2zKSCunAtC6KIMaN/s1600/10154282_10152402614705452_8689950498650252128_n.jpg" height="232" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">Through my life experiences, I believe our world does not have enough LOVE, and THAT is why our world suffers so much. We wallow in our sorrows, in self-pity and become internally depressed and self-</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">critical that we become stuck in the past about our past mistakes/traumatic moments</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">. We don't embrace life as it comes to us when we should appreciate it! Our older generation needs to start showing more support for the younger generation instead of putting them down! </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ziT541EEmDo3sVb0AJC6pfvIG5q4zPSE-jyiogBWCeHzjOHgmQExkpi0QF3s03UHuZiLecjVuDM2jvMf4MCY9O2F1FwGkurbjEJiPEGrdJStL45s_nvrH4nYFkeSRUQxVIj1eA1CpQMv/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ziT541EEmDo3sVb0AJC6pfvIG5q4zPSE-jyiogBWCeHzjOHgmQExkpi0QF3s03UHuZiLecjVuDM2jvMf4MCY9O2F1FwGkurbjEJiPEGrdJStL45s_nvrH4nYFkeSRUQxVIj1eA1CpQMv/s1600/images.jpg" height="320" width="291"></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Yehuda Berg said, "Love is the weapon of the future." </span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">We NEED to build a young generation of RESILIENCE and DETERMINATION to understand MENTAL HEALTH matters and COPING SKILLS! To not make them judge and put others down because all that is... is INSECURITY! We need to teach our children HEALTHY self-esteem - NOT bullying!! "Strong people uplift each other" is a saying that I used to hear. Encouragement and positive support will help the young generation to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">believe</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"> in themselves. They need not to compare themselves to others. An person only need to compare him/herself to him/herself. Your only competition is the one you see in the mirror. Be a BETTER YOU today than you were yesterday! But these are not the consistent messages that we deliver to our young generation today. We need to tell them that as long as they are doing their BEST, that is all that matters. Like I said before.. <a href="http://mlewu.blogspot.com/2010/02/we-are-all-works-in-progress.html">We are ALL works in progress</a>! </span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeJOuEqcAVC08qcazJOZElVz3PzNve0xFlGaRa1LeCLlWF7iA984WxS3dbQY8QsaJtxqkDoDq6OsBtV6uwMrRt0v4ry16cI9r_pmNwVbML0SU4QskZM02eg69-fGfn7yMWMq8_jsxNVAF/s1600/The+true+revolutionary+is+guided+by+great+feelings+of+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeJOuEqcAVC08qcazJOZElVz3PzNve0xFlGaRa1LeCLlWF7iA984WxS3dbQY8QsaJtxqkDoDq6OsBtV6uwMrRt0v4ry16cI9r_pmNwVbML0SU4QskZM02eg69-fGfn7yMWMq8_jsxNVAF/s1600/The+true+revolutionary+is+guided+by+great+feelings+of+love.jpg" height="320" width="239"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPMHuzuBWXcdEB0rM_5yN-FrmoCpXd5mbX5IYbFDnH1yjWEVLfrgwSgbQJpfev7dT1knAevsiGbqg5OtxcaanzaAvilw98fXDdtplB7d1As6PGEMBlLb-kLue31zs_8EWwVIBe-vU6LEk/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPMHuzuBWXcdEB0rM_5yN-FrmoCpXd5mbX5IYbFDnH1yjWEVLfrgwSgbQJpfev7dT1knAevsiGbqg5OtxcaanzaAvilw98fXDdtplB7d1As6PGEMBlLb-kLue31zs_8EWwVIBe-vU6LEk/s1600/images.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">So when can we stop being judged by the color of our skin? When will we become color-blind? As Martin Luther King Jr. said... </span><br>
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5uar8ra3v78DaD1DEwkKof5n-2waUL3xyKi_z_TARJP9MftvfTcn6mBpLPTDL1lfIoCI0pIe2P1bwksD9g6G1fJTzKUy4V4f2OsvoZlX5MBTMc7fsmUL7eoa1rLeOx_X1_4ncAorjesZ/s1600/Martin-Luther-King-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5uar8ra3v78DaD1DEwkKof5n-2waUL3xyKi_z_TARJP9MftvfTcn6mBpLPTDL1lfIoCI0pIe2P1bwksD9g6G1fJTzKUy4V4f2OsvoZlX5MBTMc7fsmUL7eoa1rLeOx_X1_4ncAorjesZ/s1600/Martin-Luther-King-01.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="background-color: white;">CONTENT OF CHARACTER! Now THAT is important! I judge a leader by the CONTENT of their CHARACTER! That's how I vote for my leaders and U.S. Representatives! Do they put they truly care about their constituents, or do they only care about the individuals who contribute to their fundraisers and how much money they're earning? Anyhow, although there is not much Asian representation in U.S. politics, I do not let race be a determinating factor as to who I vote for. I vote for the person whom I think will carry out leadership roles best, who will be a part of the solutions to our community's issues and promote GOOD values similar to mine to BETTER our community. </span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">EVERY individual NO MATTER which race they come from has his/her strength and weaknesses! If we could become color-blind, each of us is a part of the SAME human race ALL living under the SAME sun, moon, and stars!! We are in this life TOGETHER to make the future for our next generation BETTER! So it's time to live in HARMONY and teach our children good values for the sake and betterment of our society and future generations who will live on the earth after we pass away! </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6GfRFUs05kSSbEUitdwmANlkvqA0n8I3GMzmKIlm7K9j8LnkLVTM2xUthyphenhyphenNG0RwjaL0hlGHDJM70rpaGKX1RdH4CwuS8RrykfKZu6XOlzeSZZSgyXRmI9xpKc_yu7OPkBrZbD5r-0PUZ/s1600/0bdcfc8bf52f5e7243444cc5e3ec89a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6GfRFUs05kSSbEUitdwmANlkvqA0n8I3GMzmKIlm7K9j8LnkLVTM2xUthyphenhyphenNG0RwjaL0hlGHDJM70rpaGKX1RdH4CwuS8RrykfKZu6XOlzeSZZSgyXRmI9xpKc_yu7OPkBrZbD5r-0PUZ/s1600/0bdcfc8bf52f5e7243444cc5e3ec89a6.jpg" height="320" width="320"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewNJCixt-hpjrU-UUyFfPsbRI7xjSruhGJmkCY6O1DQ-gXPGdBIKFZNBCeJcvCtogsBTGHitemNIJspft7YCSCpfuqT2asOkXtxVVtxI1pJ1n5BTXwPp9EFN9w7wsZzFmzD8tNr8V0jrZ/s1600/1010077_208850105936915_1109339136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewNJCixt-hpjrU-UUyFfPsbRI7xjSruhGJmkCY6O1DQ-gXPGdBIKFZNBCeJcvCtogsBTGHitemNIJspft7YCSCpfuqT2asOkXtxVVtxI1pJ1n5BTXwPp9EFN9w7wsZzFmzD8tNr8V0jrZ/s1600/1010077_208850105936915_1109339136_n.jpg" height="320" width="228"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7uROzSE1AKommQ3uxVucSRY4VnfGZJg8XYOuc-Y4s3yqwGSSPmaGsMqSWG5db4kqaAUGajf02eQ4zBqelFgMTdz7MklbJZOQt-OHvjPyuhpi6DwM6PXKY7Dw3vS79_p4VHd-B_GmA7v2/s1600/martin-luther-king-jr-quote-300x219.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7uROzSE1AKommQ3uxVucSRY4VnfGZJg8XYOuc-Y4s3yqwGSSPmaGsMqSWG5db4kqaAUGajf02eQ4zBqelFgMTdz7MklbJZOQt-OHvjPyuhpi6DwM6PXKY7Dw3vS79_p4VHd-B_GmA7v2/s1600/martin-luther-king-jr-quote-300x219.gif" height="232" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9paoZuJLcJnVEr4396Hh1YW22fwUdpfgwShVxch_l15vtdxnIZihPk-wpzlom5xbt3E8mCMIZV5OvH5Cf1lqx34VCDeQUy_YPdXn-rwbohptHWr80W-5xI3tlrjE5HS84oieeIknw9LCH/s1600/dali+lama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9paoZuJLcJnVEr4396Hh1YW22fwUdpfgwShVxch_l15vtdxnIZihPk-wpzlom5xbt3E8mCMIZV5OvH5Cf1lqx34VCDeQUy_YPdXn-rwbohptHWr80W-5xI3tlrjE5HS84oieeIknw9LCH/s1600/dali+lama.jpg" height="265" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-21945096095169736572014-04-03T13:09:00.000-07:002014-04-04T17:03:45.852-07:00My Journey in Finding my Self Worth & Meaning In Life<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
March 3rd is <b>National I Want You to be Happy Day. </b>
- See more at:
<a href="http://www.faithvillage.com/blogpost/e3cf48e430074173bbc64f3769e8244c/national_i_want_you_to_be_happy_day#sthash.2OEOHayq.dpuf">http://www.faithvillage.com/blogpost/e3cf48e430074173bbc64f3769e8244c/national_i_want_you_to_be_happy_day#sthash.2OEOHayq.dpuf</a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jEYP-4pbtZYZhuqDbhICDWYpjTt_DhaT7xlT68WS7rZZQJXxTJKugF5jviQJHikWYeu3IxaeRq3sYoKO0lR7IrJboE-DqMM0ECNVlCzm7OPIWuEa7Ecuz1OqYZl504_hf3RagZ8CN8bK/s1600/1779787_10152272189960452_1964962897_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jEYP-4pbtZYZhuqDbhICDWYpjTt_DhaT7xlT68WS7rZZQJXxTJKugF5jviQJHikWYeu3IxaeRq3sYoKO0lR7IrJboE-DqMM0ECNVlCzm7OPIWuEa7Ecuz1OqYZl504_hf3RagZ8CN8bK/s1600/1779787_10152272189960452_1964962897_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Last week on March 27, 2014, I had the honor of serving as the Master of Ceremonies and a Panel Speaker as a Mental Health Consumer for the Asian Coalition. The experience was extremely rewarding because I calmed my fears and got myself through the day without panicking! Haha! Getting up in front of many strangers used to be a frightening experience for me, but because I've been determined to confront my fears, I am making myself work on my public speaking skills! And so far, so good! =)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bftPgjO0O0Ku7ZVPLzNZ1sgHOcGI-jVUgohAu_LjSaqyoqBX8kUUlsEFp98tWZwsVlcWi0g7QyeID4P3D6UTlK5WfUt0j7PRRDA-SDEm6fL8CrAnpHw2KeQOCPq8gl1sGvz-sDNkFzSI/s1600/1897683_10152372453445452_773920330_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bftPgjO0O0Ku7ZVPLzNZ1sgHOcGI-jVUgohAu_LjSaqyoqBX8kUUlsEFp98tWZwsVlcWi0g7QyeID4P3D6UTlK5WfUt0j7PRRDA-SDEm6fL8CrAnpHw2KeQOCPq8gl1sGvz-sDNkFzSI/s1600/1897683_10152372453445452_773920330_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the Asian Coalition though. Luna Lu was the one who first introduced this group to me. I met Luna through the <a href="http://www.namisangabrielvalley.org/">NAMI, San Gabriel Valley</a> (<a href="http://nami.org/">National Alliance for Mental Illness</a>) when I was attending mental health educational seminars called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXbZii1J_SIJ79AP5SU_OIQ/videos">How to Survive & Thrive w/a Mentally Ill Relative</a>" led by Dr. Michael DiPaulo. Anyhow, through Luna, I was able to make my first trip over to the headquarters of the <a href="http://dmh.lacounty.gov/%E2%80%8E">LA County Department of Mental Health </a>(LACDMH) on <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Los+Angeles+County+Department+of+Mental+Health/@34.063972,-118.291414,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x80c2c77b0f0d1ddd:0xf9fd41f54e1fdbde">Vermont & 6th Street</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrJXrgFkAun6o6JYXAdocU-zQok51cQn228A8sskrE1aiG3WZT9oB1ghDdIpElVp2ijpXLrp8T4rQMp2VCsOypAdNTIkD1sbB-LMQ_xmIvvwdI4CwRitslgZ-aDr74RJcL7rDF26BmPhA/s1600/New_logo_200.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrJXrgFkAun6o6JYXAdocU-zQok51cQn228A8sskrE1aiG3WZT9oB1ghDdIpElVp2ijpXLrp8T4rQMp2VCsOypAdNTIkD1sbB-LMQ_xmIvvwdI4CwRitslgZ-aDr74RJcL7rDF26BmPhA/s1600/New_logo_200.png" height="96" width="200" /></a>And so my journey with the LACDMH began in October 2013 when I first met the Asian Coalition at the <a href="http://dmh.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dmh/our_services/services_detail/?current=true&urile=wcm:path:/DMH+Content/DMH+Site/Home/Our+Services/Our+Services+Detail/Empowerment+and+Advocacy">Empowerment and Advocacy Department</a>. I see the Asian Coalition as a committee, resource and support group, & association of mental health consumers supported by the LACDMH. I can't thank them enough for allowing me the opportunity to get up in front of an audience to share my personal story growing up with low self-esteem to finally gaining awareness to understand myself as someone who IS worthy.<br />
<br />
Many of you do not know, but I used to tell my local community that I dream of becoming an Asian American version of Oprah Winfrey. I used to say that I hope I can become an Asian American version of Dr. Drew or even Anthony Robbins! All in all though, I want to be someone who can inspire others to change their lives for the better. I want to be a motivational speaker who is able to touch others' hearts so they can heal and examine their own lives to bring more patience and unconditional love into the world towards themselves and for the sake of our community. I want to be a role model and mentor for the young generation because when they are confronted with their own problems, they are not taught coping skills to figure out how to deal with their emotions of depression, frustration, and anger. <br />
<br />
Our society is lacking in mentors and role models for the young generation to look up to. Our adults are taught to stay busy, go on automatic mode, do what you're supposed to do, but what is the meaning of all of the work if you don't think about WHY you do what you do? Our society needs to think about the PURPOSE of your actions. Stop & THINK about why you motivate yourselves to do what you do. What are your values? What do you want to be known for when you pass? HOW do you want to be remembered? I understand that everyone is so busy trying to make a life for themselves, but what good is money if you don't have a true friend or feel like you make any <br />
difference in the world? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr_ygkzUZr-wbAyCwdZjE8iriQ0IF7huSsNtnMEAf6KXRUPRpBc_-nc5KiU3pD6x2kj5ZLPlNh9yfgqafH-4riCHvmDWUcQWRBi8w_tqCGo-RwgXG31mlYcCHwRWpMiMRL-a-pbIEhyMZ/s1600/1455048_556561814412727_435259821_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr_ygkzUZr-wbAyCwdZjE8iriQ0IF7huSsNtnMEAf6KXRUPRpBc_-nc5KiU3pD6x2kj5ZLPlNh9yfgqafH-4riCHvmDWUcQWRBi8w_tqCGo-RwgXG31mlYcCHwRWpMiMRL-a-pbIEhyMZ/s1600/1455048_556561814412727_435259821_n.png" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
Honestly, I don't have a paid job, BUT I DO have jobs although they are non-paid, & they ARE meaningful. While I was growing up, I thought that in order to be SOMEBODY, I had to find a full-time job, a good decent salary, & have gone through high education to get that masters or Ph.D. I literally thought I was a nobody. I didn't see my self-worth for myself. But over time, as I started to examine my thoughts and values, I started to understand what my true values were. I started to be more patient with myself. I started to realize that I was my own worst enemy for such a long LONG time. Oh - what a journey this life has been in trying to figure out what the meaning of life is for myself, and part of that is KNOWING your worth regardless of your level of education, salary amount, or job title. I now KNOW my worth, and THAT is why I would NOT commit suicide. Each day I live I grow older and am alive IS a PRIVILEGE. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yZcs3MN5Ze8jrrtvm7opVI3leMcCAzSg0BcrXcmfDq20PFgQKg-iawcVR6taqM7UIV_VZ19BwrGIlBZJCFhcloW7-sC5ZdDf-5MS5QWRCLodZfHeepi0TZYsB29D6n3gOS9_zc07pu3M/s1600/1979716_603642456371329_1419548407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yZcs3MN5Ze8jrrtvm7opVI3leMcCAzSg0BcrXcmfDq20PFgQKg-iawcVR6taqM7UIV_VZ19BwrGIlBZJCFhcloW7-sC5ZdDf-5MS5QWRCLodZfHeepi0TZYsB29D6n3gOS9_zc07pu3M/s1600/1979716_603642456371329_1419548407_n.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a>Although I do not have a job yet, I know I make a difference nonetheless. I have many functions. I am a community volunteer, resourceful classmate, wife, good friend to others, a voice for the voiceless, a mentor/role model for those who are dealing with mental health issues, and who knows... I might even be an amateur volunteer entertainer for some future community events! (I love singing & dancing!) But all in all, I know I have many functions & purpose each and everyday. I know I make a difference, & I have purpose. =) <br />
<br />
And so I believe I've finally found my calling in life. The call that makes me happy because it is a field where I can utilize my skills of emotional intelligence and empathy towards others. I can already envision myself leading seminars on how to have a HEALTHY self esteem, and to helping others to develop coping skills and rewire thought patterns for internal validation and unconditional love for themselves. By developing unconditional love and forgiveness towards oneself and for others, THAT is when the HEALING begins. Where there is internal healing, there is MENTAL LIBERATION and FREEDOM! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjqIpNwd1DtoMtPdIT1CJpNeTXvOob0ywpxU0X6gZh4xTmP01ccsJEotfG9kzH89htVYNf6BAHlPKomUI4QvlWFPymcrR9AiHUKPpaEWmjoPWByIYjLTwKoXV4Khb_4QnFkliYanevGjK/s1600/480202_497315276990155_1009490282_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjqIpNwd1DtoMtPdIT1CJpNeTXvOob0ywpxU0X6gZh4xTmP01ccsJEotfG9kzH89htVYNf6BAHlPKomUI4QvlWFPymcrR9AiHUKPpaEWmjoPWByIYjLTwKoXV4Khb_4QnFkliYanevGjK/s1600/480202_497315276990155_1009490282_n.png" height="200" width="200" /></a>After approaching many community members, I have been told that I have a LOT to offer (which I take as an awesome compliment), and all I want to do is be a PART of the solutions to our society's issues because I sincerely care about my community. Why? Because Each Mind Matters - that is the name of our California Mental Health Movement. So I will keep on trying to alleviate the stigma on mental health issues & continue to preach everyday that Mental Health Matters because it affects EVERYONE! I am a voice FOR the Mental Health Movement, and I will make my voice heard as long as stigma continues to exist! Some may not listen to me (like my high school alma mater) & may even keep the stigma alive, but I KNOW I have an audience, even if they are the ones suffering in silence! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKHGbTfDZbdtFntvKlNe9r08QFfmWighf0amlQ4gwd5MmAIlvUs1MI-_nSfDkq31v2D4d6xvhqD56jzpRRpQ4MmlOAsQt27ctC0Fu2Aieg7BeZjEMn8ml8E0mLVuFtjj4-CwzkExkv_27/s1600/ea0766dfc2a9b1eabfe81969c3ef9477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKHGbTfDZbdtFntvKlNe9r08QFfmWighf0amlQ4gwd5MmAIlvUs1MI-_nSfDkq31v2D4d6xvhqD56jzpRRpQ4MmlOAsQt27ctC0Fu2Aieg7BeZjEMn8ml8E0mLVuFtjj4-CwzkExkv_27/s1600/ea0766dfc2a9b1eabfe81969c3ef9477.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a>We all struggle in life. We each have our strengths and weaknesses, & of course our weaknesses will make us feel depressed because they make us feel inadequate, vulnerable, and incapable. However, when you confront those feelings of weakness and fear, don't turn away. Don't escape. Face them. Examine them. Work on them. Dismantle your triggers. Turn them into OPPORTUNITIES to IMPROVE yourself. Your past mistakes may make you who you are today, but they don't need to define you. Forgive yourself for the sake of your own mental health. Practice unconditional love and internal validation. Be your own parent. Be your own best friend. Validate YOU. You can do it. I believe in you, so believe in yourself. =) <br />
<br />
Haha. I think I've written enough for today. I hope you like what I had to say. =) Take care of yourself, & have a WONDERFUL week! =D<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
A day for to encourage each other, to avoid selfishness, and do something to make other people happy.<br />
A good place to start . . . ask people how they’re doing, stop to
look in their eyes, and wait for an answer. Listen. Really listen. Make a
deliberate effort to avoid fly by conversations.<br />
Next . . . share more smiles, compliments, and laughter. That will
not only make the people around you happy it will make you happy too.<br />
Finally . . . challenge your children to go out of their way to make
each other happy. A no bickering day . . . for parents that sounds like a
day designed in heaven. Woohoo!<br />
<b>I Want You to be Happy Quotes</b><br />
<i>“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”</i> ~ Mark Twain<br />
<i>“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”</i> ~ Robert A. Heinlein<br />
<i>“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should
put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to
give.”</i> ~ Eleanor Roosevelt<br />
<i>Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.</i> <a class="biblesearch-linker" href="http://bibles.org/eng-NIV/Rom/12/15" title="Look up Romans 12:15 (eng-NIV) on Bible Search">Romans 12:15</a><br />
<b>So, let me ask you again. How are you? </b><br />
I really want to know. I’m listening. What makes you happy?<br />
And just to add a little laughter to your day, because I want you to be happy; here’s a funny video Rev shared with me – <b>The Manslater.</b><br />
<center>
</center>
How will you make someone happy today?
- See more at:
http://www.faithvillage.com/blogpost/e3cf48e430074173bbc64f3769e8244c/national_i_want_you_to_be_happy_day#sthash.zM9uAzP7.dpuf<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
A day for to encourage each other, to avoid selfishness, and do something to make other people happy.<br />
A good place to start . . . ask people how they’re doing, stop to
look in their eyes, and wait for an answer. Listen. Really listen. Make a
deliberate effort to avoid fly by conversations.<br />
Next . . . share more smiles, compliments, and laughter. That will
not only make the people around you happy it will make you happy too.<br />
Finally . . . challenge your children to go out of their way to make
each other happy. A no bickering day . . . for parents that sounds like a
day designed in heaven. Woohoo!<br />
<b>I Want You to be Happy Quotes</b><br />
<i>“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”</i> ~ Mark Twain<br />
<i>“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”</i> ~ Robert A. Heinlein<br />
<i>“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should
put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to
give.”</i> ~ Eleanor Roosevelt<br />
<i>Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.</i> <a class="biblesearch-linker" href="http://bibles.org/eng-NIV/Rom/12/15" title="Look up Romans 12:15 (eng-NIV) on Bible Search">Romans 12:15</a><br />
<b>So, let me ask you again. How are you? </b><br />
I really want to know. I’m listening. What makes you happy?<br />
And just to add a little laughter to your day, because I want you to be happy; here’s a funny video Rev shared with me – <b>The Manslater.</b><br />
<center>
</center>
How will you make someone happy today?
- See more at:
http://www.faithvillage.com/blogpost/e3cf48e430074173bbc64f3769e8244c/national_i_want_you_to_be_happy_day#sthash.zM9uAzP7.dpuf</div>
</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
A day for to encourage each other, to avoid selfishness, and do something to make other people happy.<br />
A good place to start . . . ask people how they’re doing, stop to
look in their eyes, and wait for an answer. Listen. Really listen. Make a
deliberate effort to avoid fly by conversations.<br />
Next . . . share more smiles, compliments, and laughter. That will
not only make the people around you happy it will make you happy too.<br />
Finally . . . challenge your children to go out of their way to make
each other happy. A no bickering day . . . for parents that sounds like a
day designed in heaven. Woohoo!<br />
<b>I Want You to be Happy Quotes</b><br />
<i>“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”</i> ~ Mark Twain<br />
<i>“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”</i> ~ Robert A. Heinlein<br />
<i>“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should
put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to
give.”</i> ~ Eleanor Roosevelt<br />
<i>Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.</i> <a class="biblesearch-linker" href="http://bibles.org/eng-NIV/Rom/12/15" title="Look up Romans 12:15 (eng-NIV) on Bible Search">Romans 12:15</a><br />
<b>So, let me ask you again. How are you? </b><br />
I really want to know. I’m listening. What makes you happy?<br />
And just to add a little laughter to your day, because I want you to be happy; here’s a funny video Rev shared with me – <b>The Manslater.</b><br />
<center>
</center>
How will you make someone happy today?
- See more at:
http://www.faithvillage.com/blogpost/e3cf48e430074173bbc64f3769e8244c/national_i_want_you_to_be_happy_day#sthash.zM9uAzP7.dpuf</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-15551862480983608252013-11-22T17:54:00.000-08:002015-07-21T22:52:01.046-07:00MLE's Autobiographical Essay <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->Here is my Autobiographical Essay for the “No Greater Agony” Anthology of Asian Pacific Islander American Women's Experiences with Mental Illness - Submitted on Sept. 30, 2013<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyKvAFxsSXzi1IbOxJMk8VcYgLb8er2FVTyCP3Uq7-Ks_wi0wYI6fv685o57qeg83M0vsvO4rc51duQz1qZB6QcqQ8kwwq6xpFDc3TWorKXe5EuMdYuJQP_Pa-HrKYS1rxRxNob2gl-HV/s1600/who+is+ewt+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyKvAFxsSXzi1IbOxJMk8VcYgLb8er2FVTyCP3Uq7-Ks_wi0wYI6fv685o57qeg83M0vsvO4rc51duQz1qZB6QcqQ8kwwq6xpFDc3TWorKXe5EuMdYuJQP_Pa-HrKYS1rxRxNob2gl-HV/s640/who+is+ewt+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who is Emily Wu Truong </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(吳怡萱)?</b></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
My name is Emily Wu
Truong, and I recently became a Mental Health Advocate & Motivational Speaker in
July 2013. As an advocate, my passion is to alleviate the stigma and
discrimination on mental health in my community through speaking my mind. In my
personal time, I use social media (Facebook, Twitter), video blogging, journal
blogging, networking to bring attention to this cause. My activism also
includes volunteering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of
the San Gabriel Valley area, which is a nonprofit, dedicated to the educating
the public about mental illnesses and eradicating the stigma on mental health.
With NAMI-SGV, we are developing an Asian Outreach team to reach out and
educate our local Asian and Pacific Islander communities. I know there is much
to be done to educate everyone about mental health, but I have confidence that
the stigma on mental health will be alleviated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that I by myself may not have the capacity to end the stigma, but
through inspiration, education, and understanding, I hope that everyone will
learn that mental health <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">truly</i>
matters and that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">each mind matters</i>. </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
So why does mental health
matter so much to me? Well, here is why I am passionate about mental health
issues along with my story.</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
I first and foremost
believe that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every single person</i> on
the face of this Earth deals with mental health issues because I believe that… <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mental Health is learning how to stay sane in
this insane world. It is learning to be in touch with our emotions &
feelings, and to enjoy the roller coaster of life without being discouraged by
the adversities in life.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
When I was growing
up, I was told that if I were to share my problems with other people, doing so
would bring shame to myself and to my family. However, I most of the time disregarded
this idea when I would write letters to my friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i>
to communicate and express my feelings and thoughts through writing. Writing
and journaling was one of the few ways of self-expression I could rely on as a
child to deal with my frustrations in life, especially when I felt like no one
was listening to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
There are so many
stories I could tell you about my life, but I will be doing that in an
autobiography to be published somewhere down the line. However, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> tell you this – I went through my
public school system without anyone ever thinking that anything was ever wrong
with me, but really, I was a traumatized student. I was the quiet,
well-mannered, sometimes shy student who kept to herself for most of the time.
My classmates would sometimes call me “teacher’s pet,” but most everyone else –
my classmates and so-called friends – would seem to size me up, spread rumors
about me, and put me down to make them feel like they were better than me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I think I was bullied while growing up?
Unfortunately, yes.<br />
<br />
After moving from El
Dorado, Arkansas, from a town of mostly African Americans and Caucasians, to
San Marino, a place of mostly wealthy Asians and Caucasians, I quickly learned
how superficial, dishonest, cruel, and unfair my classmates could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The different dramas I dealt with in
different types of relationship made me long for the days my family and I lived
in Arkansas. There, we had peace and happiness. My parents found places to
sightsee for us kids to have fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of
my traumatic circumstances after having moved to the San Gabriel Valley made it
so that I had wished our family had never moved to California. </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
The traumas and dramas I dealt with when growing up as
a child eventually caused me to become my own worst enemy, my own worst critic, which prevented me from realizing how intelligent and bright I have really been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
used to believe that perfection existed, and that the only way to succeed was to always get everything right the first time. I was led to believe that nothing was good enough unless it was perfect. Because of my illusion of perfection, I grew up diagnosed with depression and anxiety. <b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now looking at where we are in present day, we actually are living in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exciting</i> times here in the United States.
Although we are just in the beginning of our Mental Health Movement in trying
to understand the brain, we at least live in a time where our own President
Obama recently stated at the June 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2013 National Conference on
Mental Health, </span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
"<a href="http://about.me/fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/p480x480/292632_474724935937536_1923536246_n.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Too many Americans who struggle
w/mental illness suffer in silence rather than seek help</span></a><b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">.</span></b>" </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTxWOPIBHta6pehiF0kVOztfEEwzFq1lZP5YUHC_V1npoIhS46HVozxAcihlXjGoiHbtLf2-KEYQTydMc3vwGdBx4-OzinKS1BIIptpiYL1DoFpQ8T1KCaemxiqiuNWusmOR9oqEX_XRB/s1600/996499_10151799101790452_321250493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTxWOPIBHta6pehiF0kVOztfEEwzFq1lZP5YUHC_V1npoIhS46HVozxAcihlXjGoiHbtLf2-KEYQTydMc3vwGdBx4-OzinKS1BIIptpiYL1DoFpQ8T1KCaemxiqiuNWusmOR9oqEX_XRB/s400/996499_10151799101790452_321250493_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">completely</i>
agree.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As a result,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> now</i> is the time
for us to see. That regardless of our age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, or
sexual orientation, an individuals’ issues with their sanity and mental health
are not something to be belittled. I believe that every single individual’s
problems are no better and no worse than anyone else’s problems. Problems on
different levels and types are not comparable. So even though the Republicans
and the Democrats, the poor and the rich, the unpopular and the popular, the
people of the Occupy movements may be blaming everyone else for each other’s’
problems, what life all boils down to is our sanity and mental health. Ultimately,
who is the one who can give you your sanity? Do you leave it in the hands of
society, or do you leave it in the hands of your own heart? The choice is
yours.</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We may wish and hope that our elected government officials would always remember
that they are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">public servants</i> working<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> for</i> the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">people</i>, but also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">understand </i>and
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> that leaders are capable of
making mistakes too. Anyone and everyone is capable of making mistakes… We are
all works in progress no matter what stage we’re at in life. </span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I believe it is up to each individual to find out where his/her true
potential in life lies. It is up to each individual </span></b>find the courage
to develop inner peace & get to know him/herself and understand he/she is.
As Marianne Williamson said…</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our
deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz5spwKgVberTBNQjPBWrW8MFqBCe2_aWOKdV47pNzvr6zLtQxGvCjE8vySYPkHgYMLYp5ThMi6Zk8rnHKuZ8bnPxVqT_CbXor1Jf897A1iZ3_WVAsngoIqyP9J414NoqicYFI6KsY2go/s1600/20120729-super-soul-sunday-marianne-williamson-quotes-1-600x411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz5spwKgVberTBNQjPBWrW8MFqBCe2_aWOKdV47pNzvr6zLtQxGvCjE8vySYPkHgYMLYp5ThMi6Zk8rnHKuZ8bnPxVqT_CbXor1Jf897A1iZ3_WVAsngoIqyP9J414NoqicYFI6KsY2go/s400/20120729-super-soul-sunday-marianne-williamson-quotes-1-600x411.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>ZH-CN</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->Lastly, I want to share
with you a piece of writing that I worked on a few years ago back in February
2010. <b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We Are All Works in Progress</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
By Emily Wu </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Know how to help yourself before
you can truly help anyone else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Set an example for others if you
know how. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
However, I know this is a constant
life-long learning process. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
So you don't have to be perfect
because we are all works-in-progress. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
There are lessons to be learned in
everything that we face from day to day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Without these lessons, we don't
challenge ourselves to be better than who we already are. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
So work on being the best person
you can be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
See your true potential in life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Know that you don't have to have
all the answers right now. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
It takes time to find the answers
to life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
So just chill & relax from time
to time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Take a moment to breathe & just
be with yourself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Know that you were made for success
in this life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
You can reach your highest
potential if you just believe in it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Have confidence in yourself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I have confidence in you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
©2009 Emily Wu 吳怡萱 </div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>ZH-CN</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>ZH-CN</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-70872657211121140002013-09-25T05:03:00.000-07:002013-09-25T05:16:17.113-07:00Leaders (like Pastor Rick Warren) Are Just Everyday Human Beings<br />
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0I8OY2Uc6BE678Vu54kUtR9t8jHTRkYLh1nnS-OAp79u0DX1d3bCLR5gPu_Pvp3aaNASjjOTXkl4D4jaGuSMcHfhk25MEsAcEaTjt5-gKzlbczYT_O_oxxO3068rFmOPYBKzLDlCSn1g/s1600/screen-shot-2013-09-24-at-11-44-50-am.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0I8OY2Uc6BE678Vu54kUtR9t8jHTRkYLh1nnS-OAp79u0DX1d3bCLR5gPu_Pvp3aaNASjjOTXkl4D4jaGuSMcHfhk25MEsAcEaTjt5-gKzlbczYT_O_oxxO3068rFmOPYBKzLDlCSn1g/s640/screen-shot-2013-09-24-at-11-44-50-am.png" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
On Monday, September 23, 2013, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pastorrickwarren?fref=ts">Pastor Rick Warren</a>, who founded Saddleback Church, one of the largest mega churches in America, posted this above Chinese Red Army image with the caption "The typical attitude of Saddleback Staff as they start work each day." I believe he posted this image with no intention of hurting others' feelings but was taken back by the negative feedback re: cultural insensitivity he received about the image. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
This piece of news was brought to my recent attention by <a href="http://blog.angryasianman.com/" target="_blank">Phil Yu's Angry Asian Man</a>'s well-known blog about <a href="http://morethanservingtea.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/screen-shot-2013-09-24-at-11-38-53-am.png">Pastor Rick Warren's attitude</a> in response to strong criticisms for posting the Red Army image to his Facebook profile. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZYBXrjBN7Wz28gjL2EvpOlwi46K3f5g6KwIUOAd8-DtpZxK3InwC-qrJ9IW4pdf0vqEVKBYRf149Vd7vGiLOxBm-eeuNkoVsHkFG8xnNoTiFVNM-N4_6pZ14r-Nkns-q64X5ZkMN4Mkz/s1600/angrybanner1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="46" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZYBXrjBN7Wz28gjL2EvpOlwi46K3f5g6KwIUOAd8-DtpZxK3InwC-qrJ9IW4pdf0vqEVKBYRf149Vd7vGiLOxBm-eeuNkoVsHkFG8xnNoTiFVNM-N4_6pZ14r-Nkns-q64X5ZkMN4Mkz/s400/angrybanner1000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
From my perspective, Warren's initial response did not seem to show that he could keep a calm composure to
criticisms in situations like these. For someone so well-revered in the Christian
community, he allowed his ego to get the best of him in the moment. So at first, I didn't do well in taking the <i><b>time to actually stop and think
about HOW he should respond</b></i> in a cordial & apologetic way
instead of first reacting the way he did in his Facebook & Twitter posts. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHJ48p5asO7AhDeAzVV3DrTej8LvOh2po4NmsAi_QAe8k1D5oJX7Nb2dT-gn_5nvjvWjhPCfuw4cGs1k5GrmzFj9r_32NoSV2IJzVq_XlmVsFNYwXvEMvBXhb7W9YvH-Icz4_SWlErron/s1600/screen-shot-2013-09-24-at-11-38-53-am.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHJ48p5asO7AhDeAzVV3DrTej8LvOh2po4NmsAi_QAe8k1D5oJX7Nb2dT-gn_5nvjvWjhPCfuw4cGs1k5GrmzFj9r_32NoSV2IJzVq_XlmVsFNYwXvEMvBXhb7W9YvH-Icz4_SWlErron/s400/screen-shot-2013-09-24-at-11-38-53-am.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a screen shot from Kathy Khang of what Pastor Rick Warren had up on his public Facebook profile earlier. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Personally, I think he should have maybe just stuck to images like one of these to get his point across.</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BeWpC0-cmEBYZNE8CxHkTb24bbNDdg3f8izZBBCcbR1R2HZEgJIFAoGq5uzibCpQQ5GLFJOvju-LUZRoQ-YbdHTBuzgLloXWHVVj2jyv36N6-TktunD9HxUutg4VtPfX3mbS8oJV5GZo/s1600/JesusSmiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BeWpC0-cmEBYZNE8CxHkTb24bbNDdg3f8izZBBCcbR1R2HZEgJIFAoGq5uzibCpQQ5GLFJOvju-LUZRoQ-YbdHTBuzgLloXWHVVj2jyv36N6-TktunD9HxUutg4VtPfX3mbS8oJV5GZo/s200/JesusSmiling.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CQ0Q8_RDvXZrgTSsRhNgPIWgKY56omF_9ch_ITdasELUzxZK1hyn1tBB2BoIDKQjeF_gGhndNJ_FXHBh2w9EyM2M4gxA-JeSosRnaXQyXwjbiGbDpgenXB27CpJdsBsRlV3X7QSNzZuV/s1600/jesus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CQ0Q8_RDvXZrgTSsRhNgPIWgKY56omF_9ch_ITdasELUzxZK1hyn1tBB2BoIDKQjeF_gGhndNJ_FXHBh2w9EyM2M4gxA-JeSosRnaXQyXwjbiGbDpgenXB27CpJdsBsRlV3X7QSNzZuV/s200/jesus.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
I don't excuse his behavior at all, but to me, his initial reaction of trying to defend himself initially gave me these impressions of him. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
(1) Pastor Rick Warren reacted in a defensive & half-apologetic way saying, "I didn’t mean to offend you. BUT… Get over yourself. Get a sense of humor. Christians can be funny." To me, this reaction demonstrates to me how <b>human </b>Warren can be in the face of conflict
& others' criticisms of his personal decisions. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "<b><i>The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort & convenience, but where he stands at time of challenge and controversy.</i></b>" In this regard, I think Warren still needs to work on his ego and humility. I definitely don't think Jesus would have reacted in the same way that he did. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdpgAs9XIEy1RqzHJH_y5hlqMgJWGvvvCwUDFV5AB4XUVNNR2U2-p7aIbWQsb6lR2mq5B55gwRDJwXp7IVbDLo702T8yRKQWAG23qgeLRq77I6h4GF6IuWt-UVPtOSi4mNvBGc2Ud5f7q/s1600/JESS3_Social_MLK_Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdpgAs9XIEy1RqzHJH_y5hlqMgJWGvvvCwUDFV5AB4XUVNNR2U2-p7aIbWQsb6lR2mq5B55gwRDJwXp7IVbDLo702T8yRKQWAG23qgeLRq77I6h4GF6IuWt-UVPtOSi4mNvBGc2Ud5f7q/s320/JESS3_Social_MLK_Quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
So even though Warren's Saddleback Church of followers place him on such a high
pedestal, in reality, <b>Warren is just a normal human being like anyone & everyone else. </b>After all, in Romans 3:23, it says that "<i><b>ALL </b>fall short of the glory of God</i>." So
Warren is <b>not </b>immune to this Bible verse. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
(2)
Warren's initial reactions also demonstrate how <b>he has not been well-versed in the field of World History relative to Asia
& China</b>. I'm guessing that maybe most of his Saddleback Church congregation is not Asian? Maybe that's
why he doesn't take the time to understand the background of the Asian
culture. Who knows. Only Warren can answer for himself. I'm just speculating. (I've always been a speculator trying to understand why people are the way they are. That's why I majored in Psychology & Social Behavior at UC Irvine after all! Haha!)</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
Nonetheless, I'm actually glad that Warren became humble enough to read <a href="http://engagethepews.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/rick-warren-cultural-sensitivity-and-mission/">what blogger Dr. Sam Tsang had to say</a> about the situation and <a href="http://engagethepews.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/rick-warren-cultural-sensitivity-and-mission/comment-page-1/#comment-311">apologize</a>. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhvzwC4EvNEXCFAxwXX1gPnO9tNv-JU_csmVqjRwhSP6pTpc8Uagf2GhGmN6XcMqyHO8skWYyet29tyuswAeZyBwlDZXHdJMgEOfWd_znMndDsrRigOtlMG7CiR7pJ_E6V336Y_dkS4nt/s1600/RW+apology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhvzwC4EvNEXCFAxwXX1gPnO9tNv-JU_csmVqjRwhSP6pTpc8Uagf2GhGmN6XcMqyHO8skWYyet29tyuswAeZyBwlDZXHdJMgEOfWd_znMndDsrRigOtlMG7CiR7pJ_E6V336Y_dkS4nt/s400/RW+apology.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
In moments like these, when one is criticized heavily, I think it's sometimes good to be <i>open-minded</i> & be a <i>good listener</i> to those around you. There's only so much you can listen to because you are pressed for time, but I believe sincerely believe that situations like these can be improved drastically in the community. Why? Because then these outbursts of negative reactions become potential lee-ways for acts of <b>positive and constructive educational opportunities</b> for the
Asian & Asian American communities to educate & communicate to, not just Pastor Warren & his church, but the broader community to learn more about this
subject area in answering the question: <i>Why did the Red Army image & caption invoke so much disappointment to so many individuals? </i> </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
However, if Pastor Warren did not choose to listen at all, I would think, "So be
it. He will only continue to make enemies of those he doe not intend to
make enemies with by not regarding their thoughts & feelings." So if he
were to have continued using terminologies and images of
Asians or any other race to get his messages and points across,
that would have definitely been a bad no-no. As a leader who is so
well-regarded in the Christian communities, people like him need to be educated in cultural sensitivities and matters
such as these so he does not continue to step on anymore toes. (But then again, sometimes it's just too difficult to not step on anyone's toes sometimes. People will criticize no matter what you say.)</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NjmqkwXRveGy38mb2WxeBserLoTdcTr2SXxqts4kR2TeddHFrUcuubbWhrHn0he9ald2__rPHPYFnUljQIS1y07V-YZy1O3sDHHE9C1c3jBEdUW0wCGII2llyO_346RxHsglUH5BR7vk/s1600/do-what-you-feel-in-your-heart-to-be-right-for-youll-be-criticized-anyway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NjmqkwXRveGy38mb2WxeBserLoTdcTr2SXxqts4kR2TeddHFrUcuubbWhrHn0he9ald2__rPHPYFnUljQIS1y07V-YZy1O3sDHHE9C1c3jBEdUW0wCGII2llyO_346RxHsglUH5BR7vk/s320/do-what-you-feel-in-your-heart-to-be-right-for-youll-be-criticized-anyway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I know Pastor Warren's got a lot on his place & his own issues to deal with. I can
only imagine how much grief he and his wife deal with themselves knowing that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/06/matthew-warren-suicide_n_3029792.html">their own son, Matthew Warren, committed suicide</a> earlier this year. With the loss of his precious & youngest child who suffered from borderline personality disorder & deep depression, I don't think
his life is how he had imagined it. As <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/09/17/rick-warren-speaks-out-on-sons-suicide/">he just opened up to CNN in an interview several days ago to talk about his son's mental health & death</a>, it must be difficult to have the pressure of trying to be perfect when everyone is always looking to him for
guidance when he is dealing with such sadness inside. So really, he's just a normal human being with feelings and emotions like any other human being. #MentalHealthMatters</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S0EGrsIgfZK3sOlgf8QOEmUXBWYNxeNqdePQVy9YSVPpcNQ41tJDfRKv3BI6DQgopBpbHerCHVye85jFkvZl78PIxtuHFCjoropJaLkhdjVpDORx5cR2b_lFDlDjkQgL941VBEqE3RnG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-08+at+11.06.11+AM_1365444440298_398027_ver1.0_320_240.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S0EGrsIgfZK3sOlgf8QOEmUXBWYNxeNqdePQVy9YSVPpcNQ41tJDfRKv3BI6DQgopBpbHerCHVye85jFkvZl78PIxtuHFCjoropJaLkhdjVpDORx5cR2b_lFDlDjkQgL941VBEqE3RnG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-08+at+11.06.11+AM_1365444440298_398027_ver1.0_320_240.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Although Pastor Rick Warren is really going through a lot of grief from the death of his son, I'm actually glad that he eventually apologized & didn't let his ego get the best of him in this matter. As a leader of the Christian community in Orange County, CA, he needed to keep his composure, let go of his ego to write an apologetic in response to Sam Tsang's blog. I also like how Sam's attitude about what Warren is going through right now. It still is a tough time for the Warrens right now. Their youngest child only left them in April 2013, which has only been half a year since! Sam Tsang has compassion for the Warrens, and so do I. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_qQd6vK4MLt-ScQSEpKP54xHQ5KwE96Ptmonf0MUrfD7I-ZZ7eWQl-mUmM9P0SjBnzN3VKgrdpSs6GnIMV5fhH8iCu4PxF0bBbSV_85oSMCgKa-vJ8REk07SYR8gA0PwJoyg4QRVWrOV/s1600/samtsang+sympathetic+attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_qQd6vK4MLt-ScQSEpKP54xHQ5KwE96Ptmonf0MUrfD7I-ZZ7eWQl-mUmM9P0SjBnzN3VKgrdpSs6GnIMV5fhH8iCu4PxF0bBbSV_85oSMCgKa-vJ8REk07SYR8gA0PwJoyg4QRVWrOV/s400/samtsang+sympathetic+attitude.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b><u>Leadership According to MLE</u></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUReZC6osAsq8Pgoaz9fkX_vlafGjeJ0wUFby2R80jC2-QbqOM339G_QuwFcZbB9rbdjZBfYJVzZ-G7tMPIDh5xZOpWBLqnbeEUpaRmnliMVML0ScohDsW2sXmthv4vKrQceXef9D_rHvA/s1600/leadership-quotes-sayings-true-leader-mistakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUReZC6osAsq8Pgoaz9fkX_vlafGjeJ0wUFby2R80jC2-QbqOM339G_QuwFcZbB9rbdjZBfYJVzZ-G7tMPIDh5xZOpWBLqnbeEUpaRmnliMVML0ScohDsW2sXmthv4vKrQceXef9D_rHvA/s200/leadership-quotes-sayings-true-leader-mistakes.jpg" width="197" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
So this blog is actually the longest blog post longer than any other because the subject of leadership really interests me. In my opinion, <b>if individuals in well-regarded positions of <u>leadership</u>
are <i>humble, open-minded, & sincerely care for the community to encourage and uplift</i>, they would truly value the feedback of those who disagree
with their personal decisions in order to improve community relations.</b> Just by being a good listener, you (general you) place a value and give meaning to what one has to say. People feel valued when you listen to their comments, suggestions, and feedback. (I personally learned all of this through my school of Life, relationship/friendship drama, & the many different jobs I've worked at for my field in public relations for varying fields of work. I've had my fair share of many different types of bosses. See my LinkedIn profile here: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/missemilywu/" name="webProfileURL" title="View public profile">www.linkedin.com/in/missemilywu/</a>) </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61lzQE9yevGw1DeU_TIXsPFfjeDIWTMwzJt9nK1Lwzs7xH_ec3BA6nUQ8ce-fT7C-CHApRsvdUwwFM3RJUqLTOKesjKNbx9FsNoberx7070D8rkuBqS30WMAejBPICCO4zPbwxcmO0wAH/s1600/boss-vs-leader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61lzQE9yevGw1DeU_TIXsPFfjeDIWTMwzJt9nK1Lwzs7xH_ec3BA6nUQ8ce-fT7C-CHApRsvdUwwFM3RJUqLTOKesjKNbx9FsNoberx7070D8rkuBqS30WMAejBPICCO4zPbwxcmO0wAH/s400/boss-vs-leader.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2W7oqSiNY32MrGHUVJfMNN0TpXCI48aYm3Hj5YZpHQdW1QoxWSHhd2N523WxFyf8TSuXVYKhNin7G3RdS1gPpOvByC7jITQzeqXAzqoqM5D4SQ5ditiQ5ArV2keZk_qXz6gCPKHJfS8k/s1600/OpenMinded_JOJOJOJO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2W7oqSiNY32MrGHUVJfMNN0TpXCI48aYm3Hj5YZpHQdW1QoxWSHhd2N523WxFyf8TSuXVYKhNin7G3RdS1gPpOvByC7jITQzeqXAzqoqM5D4SQ5ditiQ5ArV2keZk_qXz6gCPKHJfS8k/s320/OpenMinded_JOJOJOJO.jpg" width="320" /></a>I believe that if leaders in the community were...</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b>humble (non-egotistical, nor arrogant), </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b>kind (not rude), </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b>compassionate (not conceited), </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b>genuine (not two-faced), </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b>patient (not temperamental), </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b>encouraging (not condescending), & </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<b>open-minded (not close-minded), </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I would actually respect them more.</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
However, if I have to deal with the arrogant & condescending attitude of leaders, I honestly don't want to work with or for them.
I'll let them do their own thing. I don't want to be a part of their cause
to help them uplift their reputation if they can't appreciate what I have tried to do
for them. I will <b>not</b> let them use me to put their name on my work that I put my heart into. I will <b>not</b> be taken advantage of. </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA6EuxAZyXvFC-6gwCCqFC_4b9ZFicMXX9W6LvyiB-ms-uHmCE-KV2Ra4pUDDUKGuH-IAjedMiEq1HbHCLSx34e3V71E7FH-k4Ezyk8vHKI8QkWanQHtZHhqWQXSDXXWs2WlVE1tzIk7t/s1600/quote-an-arrogant-person-considers-himself-perfect-this-is-the-chief-harm-of-arrogance-it-interferes-leo-tolstoy-273442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA6EuxAZyXvFC-6gwCCqFC_4b9ZFicMXX9W6LvyiB-ms-uHmCE-KV2Ra4pUDDUKGuH-IAjedMiEq1HbHCLSx34e3V71E7FH-k4Ezyk8vHKI8QkWanQHtZHhqWQXSDXXWs2WlVE1tzIk7t/s640/quote-an-arrogant-person-considers-himself-perfect-this-is-the-chief-harm-of-arrogance-it-interferes-leo-tolstoy-273442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzw5m1TTlBqEnXVPLlvYjBZxvga-nnU0hHcyxxgb8ElVuKq3_YDPRhP508sIvcSiQdx7XBmEKV0YgcBKhqyc-_che0-PKuioM5NBkU8kdmqaebdfVqdJEFDp4erLepj1rNd6B9u0j46r8/s1600/andy-stanly-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
I'll just move onto my NEXT personal project, and be the boss of my next <b>LIFE ADVENTURE</b>!! And <b><i>I WILL BE THE CHANGE I WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD!! </i></b>YEAH!! - feeling GREAT!! </div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABOWCD4dLmObbZlDi94_NHhXELcyEkeJe4WGAWvqR5kJpGxgqWO7DUmkBA0QjPVV_MN_fm0BwxRhIZhrkqXJKwLo-Kao8UF57TdiTWZEl8E_Yukk20jXwkm9fSCRLBZ2bMAyRRSutLzbj/s1600/be-the-change-you-want-to-see.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABOWCD4dLmObbZlDi94_NHhXELcyEkeJe4WGAWvqR5kJpGxgqWO7DUmkBA0QjPVV_MN_fm0BwxRhIZhrkqXJKwLo-Kao8UF57TdiTWZEl8E_Yukk20jXwkm9fSCRLBZ2bMAyRRSutLzbj/s1600/be-the-change-you-want-to-see.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOqcWG47tdVp5YOHJX2UVtlM3YYv7DTjRXJ5fJ1zQPKnPeXCqqz15pP1pnGi-L0pF10MdoEzLbjH2FoPI4YmqFhcvQnOyoIXi2qZN1FukTcXCGSiLfQIFNAb7csmyKuCNWt7R4idlBEfr/s1600/bouncing-for-joy-smiley-emoticon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOqcWG47tdVp5YOHJX2UVtlM3YYv7DTjRXJ5fJ1zQPKnPeXCqqz15pP1pnGi-L0pF10MdoEzLbjH2FoPI4YmqFhcvQnOyoIXi2qZN1FukTcXCGSiLfQIFNAb7csmyKuCNWt7R4idlBEfr/s1600/bouncing-for-joy-smiley-emoticon.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI_rBiEYIcD1mJysK_bXSRdGUEnQor1NCh-5MfhdMxD_bLDh872t9Q2ATR9R0q3gUYKJAdmgVZSCAV0yXmgSNkpPvmnRwm2yKe-DcxRfhS-ZMC0mNLFR1oxsSKK0gX7uSBL6HT4BcZbh3/s1600/knowing-654x654-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI_rBiEYIcD1mJysK_bXSRdGUEnQor1NCh-5MfhdMxD_bLDh872t9Q2ATR9R0q3gUYKJAdmgVZSCAV0yXmgSNkpPvmnRwm2yKe-DcxRfhS-ZMC0mNLFR1oxsSKK0gX7uSBL6HT4BcZbh3/s320/knowing-654x654-300x300.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other Related Links Re: Rick Warren's Red Army Image Facebook Post: </div>
<ul>
<li>Sam Tsang's 9.24.13 Blog: <a href="http://engagethepews.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/on-accepting-pastor-rick-warrens-apology-the-yellow-mans-burden/">On Accepting Pastor Rick Warren’s Apology: the Yellow Man’s Burden</a> </li>
<li>Sam Tsang's 9.23.13 Blog: <a href="http://engagethepews.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/rick-warren-cultural-sensitivity-and-mission/">Rick Warren, Cultural Sensitivity, and Mission</a></li>
<li>Kathy Khang's 9.24.13 Reaction:<a href="http://morethanservingtea.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/dear-pastor-rick-warren-i-think-you-dont-get-it/"> Dear Pastor Rick Warren, I Think You Don’t Get It </a> </li>
<li>Phil Yu's Angry Asian Man 9.24.13 Reaction:<a href="http://blog.angryasianman.com/2013/09/dear-pastor-rick-warren-i-think-you.html"><i> </i>Dear Pastor Rick Warren, I Think You Don’t Get It / Guest Post by Kathy Khang</a><i><a href="http://blog.angryasianman.com/2013/09/dear-pastor-rick-warren-i-think-you.html"> </a></i></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-61836538821499590212013-08-05T15:43:00.004-07:002013-08-05T15:44:33.943-07:00I know you are but what am I? I'm just me, MLE.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1yWcyF5TtDn__S4jDGVj87DtiALr5Z4JAx9G8Dx6I4riHdO-Rm5InRIumAEa09geUj6V2vvM-WXVGZBIogr3tl1vpxLGvFDf9r65LcFXymxz-xSLbHCAja6HQWt-xjbVLw4Fwan4I4do/s1600/tumblr_mg1v0tDGS21rhi1v9o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1yWcyF5TtDn__S4jDGVj87DtiALr5Z4JAx9G8Dx6I4riHdO-Rm5InRIumAEa09geUj6V2vvM-WXVGZBIogr3tl1vpxLGvFDf9r65LcFXymxz-xSLbHCAja6HQWt-xjbVLw4Fwan4I4do/s1600/tumblr_mg1v0tDGS21rhi1v9o1_500.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-79262865584970876922013-08-01T15:02:00.004-07:002014-12-02T10:22:28.988-08:00My name is Emily, and I've Lived with Depression & Anxiety. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you ever feel like people judge you or look down on you for something that seems so different about you? Well, don't fear, because you are going to learn that...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3aA3yuZZwO6Uk2IFukGm32bKt9D5zBQcysS9kuSH_y5xb_RXEKYPRWfovgeamhTrpSM-OsIdE2RNMa9Im0p4y1Vfzi9SYuZiyfib9ffVCqFkTwta_LSfoDqiB9OFZW_nPYn4152y_mAa/s1600/1045022_10151757996695452_1156922521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3aA3yuZZwO6Uk2IFukGm32bKt9D5zBQcysS9kuSH_y5xb_RXEKYPRWfovgeamhTrpSM-OsIdE2RNMa9Im0p4y1Vfzi9SYuZiyfib9ffVCqFkTwta_LSfoDqiB9OFZW_nPYn4152y_mAa/s200/1045022_10151757996695452_1156922521_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you can't understand how amazing you are, then you're in disbelief. I was in disbelief throughout my whole life. I went through life always second, third, fourth guessing myself. I was taught to be perfect, and that if I wasn't perfect, I thought that I would not be worthy of being loved. I became a perfectionist, and often my demon would tell me that I wasn't good enough, & that I would never be good enough. This contributed to my low self-esteem. The mentally abusive Dr. Hyde caused me to have a poor self-image of myself. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0umm_Sg6BgEiLEUozlUJ60wRZG3AjJLM2G5VlaslPZWFv0-hXWIzXM0uw7aL1PAGswJulPLN5ecnWlPlg5sl9ctQp-llzsan7Cnkfu1JKi52tsRF0wbqjK4L_vMRwNrrm0xdv3bhoKNSq/s1600/6793545130_edccc92c90_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0umm_Sg6BgEiLEUozlUJ60wRZG3AjJLM2G5VlaslPZWFv0-hXWIzXM0uw7aL1PAGswJulPLN5ecnWlPlg5sl9ctQp-llzsan7Cnkfu1JKi52tsRF0wbqjK4L_vMRwNrrm0xdv3bhoKNSq/s320/6793545130_edccc92c90_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
However, the situation gradually changed over my life when I started learning about people like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, Desmond Tutu, Michael Jackson, Ai Wei Wei, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres... All of them have passion to use their talents to make a positive influence on society. <br />
<br />
When I was in junior high, MLK Jr. influenced the way I would think. He truly became an inspirational person in my growth as an individual. I saw how he would tell his African American brothers & sisters during the Civil Rights Movement (my version of what he would say to uplift his African American community), "You are NO worse or better than the White Man." In the same way, I thought of my classmates in grade school, "Unpopular kids, you are no worse or better than the popular kids!" So yeah... I learned about racism and the ideas of oppression at an early age in life... It sucks to be bullied. Who ever likes to feel worse than others?! (PLEASE no one raise your hand!) But anyhow, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>we are all equal on this Earth no matter what our socioeconomic background, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, etc. We are ALL one BIG Human Family on this planet we call Mother Earth. Let's all stand together as one. Are you with me?! </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxoIuGWtYtL4VIxsciZR8pr9L2kC-rznVH3W0FR4pTBlBY02F_4iQjvBeKcbXmqspVHEjejc-Ej4wGSJxEG8BEuambS6mQ8iAUy9lPwi9Sx2K1I9A67RnmR5Ah-mjZe7cSzXhlcsyHq2k/s1600/martin-luther-king-jr-quote-300x219.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxoIuGWtYtL4VIxsciZR8pr9L2kC-rznVH3W0FR4pTBlBY02F_4iQjvBeKcbXmqspVHEjejc-Ej4wGSJxEG8BEuambS6mQ8iAUy9lPwi9Sx2K1I9A67RnmR5Ah-mjZe7cSzXhlcsyHq2k/s1600/martin-luther-king-jr-quote-300x219.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-1306874785544309282013-07-30T03:05:00.003-07:002013-07-30T04:01:15.472-07:00History of this Blog<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The interesting thing about this blog is that I had actually wanted to start this blog back in 2010, but I didn't have the courage to actually start it until now --> 3 years later in July 2013! But NOW my blog of OPTIMISM is finally UP & RUNNING!! So I am HAPPY! Yeah!! :D
But now I am picking up the pieces of my old dream... And NOW I am truly living! YESS!! xD</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please check out my "<a href="http://mlewu.blogspot.com/p/about-emily-wu-truong.html">About MLE</a>" page to see what my new endeavors are now in the community. Despite the twists and turns life has taken me in, down, and around, I know now that my future is bright, & that life will just be AWESOME. :) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD6201K3k2n4s0n1-vDRvmzYv61B4kpyN4ntiO85_aVtkjo9_Le5Ix8sQy6YvXgy7G_biOmm7ggNnWhSeadiKvQR7sf0zczdhjL_rMiUb_B0A4O9vnIj7iXOx_RrxhKZmX6Q9HFIitXLG/s1600/1043872_10151764279320452_1695892774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD6201K3k2n4s0n1-vDRvmzYv61B4kpyN4ntiO85_aVtkjo9_Le5Ix8sQy6YvXgy7G_biOmm7ggNnWhSeadiKvQR7sf0zczdhjL_rMiUb_B0A4O9vnIj7iXOx_RrxhKZmX6Q9HFIitXLG/s200/1043872_10151764279320452_1695892774_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1cUG_aQxFZdRsr4SEKDqm7mWGxmJlsfZiB0oTDoJ0l72JtE83Zk5ymQfGH5pwqOJVBj3uUrw-0djO0ojKdyGNQTLHUZPskdO6mopL_MDRFesBwduWbcwKtw8WnRhMlgEaxLQNz-crRSx/s1600/1044468_10151757996815452_1415031245_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1cUG_aQxFZdRsr4SEKDqm7mWGxmJlsfZiB0oTDoJ0l72JtE83Zk5ymQfGH5pwqOJVBj3uUrw-0djO0ojKdyGNQTLHUZPskdO6mopL_MDRFesBwduWbcwKtw8WnRhMlgEaxLQNz-crRSx/s200/1044468_10151757996815452_1415031245_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyjVOH3aBqXgd9nu6fqTKQCEUhhmoMBcgfoEU7Pdatem603aDJysz5nRmKPpFQ6tm_pzOObPv4Zu5DqgvdYsIqOhuBOzTldHys_8qz6xZfIoZV90IW8Sug_wlWBT9VH3mO-lN9JNeA3Ch/s1600/1010456_10151726807835452_222663099_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyjVOH3aBqXgd9nu6fqTKQCEUhhmoMBcgfoEU7Pdatem603aDJysz5nRmKPpFQ6tm_pzOObPv4Zu5DqgvdYsIqOhuBOzTldHys_8qz6xZfIoZV90IW8Sug_wlWBT9VH3mO-lN9JNeA3Ch/s320/1010456_10151726807835452_222663099_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-70584744668597853922010-06-29T16:34:00.000-07:002013-07-30T03:11:30.754-07:00Open-Mindedness Needs to be TaughtThe older Asian 1st generations don't really teach their kids to be open-minded. As a result, kids aren't so open-minded to think about what the earlier Asian immigrants went through to get to where we are today.They only seem to think about what is right in front of them, and then the older generation thinks that we're just spoiled & selfish brats because we got it so much easier than them compared to when they were growing up. However, what they don't understand is that we DO live in a different time and place. So I've had my own personal conflicts with Asian elders, but I suppose it's allowed me to separate my own values from theirs. They grew up in a culture where they were supposed to obey their elders and do whatever they said, like good little sons & daughters. In a way, they were almost like brain-washed human beings, like robots in a way. However, this is why my mom is glad she brought our family over to America... So that we could think for ourselves, and I AM greatful for that :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-64582588467315103352010-02-05T14:03:00.000-08:002010-02-05T15:51:00.853-08:00We Are All Works in ProgressKnow how to help yourself before you can truly help anyone else. Set an example for others if you know how. However, I know this is a constant life-long learning process. So you don't HAVE to be perfect because we are ALL works-in-progress. There are lessons to be learned in everything that we face from day to day. Without these lessons, we don't challenge ourselves to be better than who we already are. So work on being the BEST person you can be!! See your true potential in life! KNOW that you don't have to have ALL the answers right now. It takes time to find the answers to life. So just chill & relax from time to time. Take a moment to breathe & just be with yourself. KNOW that you were made for success in this life. You CAN reach your highest potential if you just believe in it. Have confidence in yourself! I have confidence in you!! ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-18724417965617242472010-01-25T14:30:00.000-08:002010-01-25T14:36:52.184-08:00Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.During my TEFL program, I wrote the following paragraph for one of our 1st writing assignments.<br /><br />September 9, 2004<br /><br />The Great Qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<br /><br />Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., known for his immense involvement with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, he held noteworthy traits as a leader. He possessed great ideals, was full of perseverance, and was well-spoken. Dr. King was a well-respected clergyman and civil rights leaders, who was known for his ideologies. During his time, there was much racial segregation, and African Americans were treated very poorly by the Caucasians who persecuted them. However, Dr. King wanted to change this. He wanted everyone to treat everyone equally despite the color of one’s skin or religious background. Dr. King wanted to give everyone a sense of self-worth. Dr. King strongly opposed the use of violence to respond to injustice because violence would not result in any positive resolutions. Instead, violence would only lead to more violence. Consequently, Dr. King encouraged the practice of nonviolence resistance to stand against the racial segregation. Also, Dr. King’s ability to persevere to made him an outstanding leader. Even though he was arrested about thirty times for participating in civil rights activities, he continued to fight against the racial injustice and persisted on spreading his message of equality. In addition, Dr. King was a great speaker. He made many speeches, but he is most noted for his most eloquent speech which is called “I Have a Dream.” In this speech, he spoke with a strong and clear voice to a very large crowd in Washington. Whether he made a speech to a large crowd of people or in his church, he spoke with a captivating voice. Because of his words and messages of social equality and nonviolence, charismatic speeches, and endurance through hardships, Dr. King brought such noteworthy significant changes to U.S. history that his birthday, January 15th, was made a holiday in remembrance of him and his charismatic leadership.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-399595927523156356.post-20675228872692095912010-01-07T02:05:00.000-08:002010-01-07T03:21:30.592-08:00How to introduce myself...HELLO WORLD!! :) This is my very FIRST blog here on blogger, & I was thinking about how I should start it. So I figured that I’d write a little bit about myself. :)<br /><br />My name is Emily Wu, a Taiwanese American 28 year old (soon to be 29) who truly ENJOYS learning about the world!! :) Life has taken me through many circumstances which have led me to become an optimistic and passionate individual. Through the many years trying to figure out what my life purpose was, I always knew my goal in life was to somehow help people for the sake and betterment of society. I wanted to be an inspirational leader and role model in my community, but I often did not know what type of role that would specifically be. However, through time and patience, I am VERY happy to say that I've finally found my passion and calling in life. :D I will be aspiring towards becoming a motivational speaker & then the next Asian American Oprah Winfrey. Though this dream may seem far-fetched, I have the confidence that it will happen sooner or later because I KNOW I have the potential to fill these shoes & I am DETERMINED to see this through!! :D Life is GOOD!! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2