You might think you know me, but there's more to the story than meets the eye! Here are 10 surprising things you probably never guessed about me:
Hoop Dreams: I spent a good chunk of my youth with basketball dreams bouncing around in my head. I wanted to go to the WMBA but after three knee reconstruction surgeries, everything changed.
Love of Sports: My love for basketball was just the tip of the iceberg. You could call me a jack-of-all-trades. Track and field? Check. Tennis? Absolutely. Badminton, volleyball, tennis, I was on teams and gave it a try. Guess you could say I had an insatiable need for competition, growth and being in the flow.
Gifts I love: Art supplies (Love Blick!) I like many other things but to have supplies allows me to give more to others it what I truly love.
Year of the Monkey - The Chinese Zodiac: According to the Chinese zodiac, I'm a monkey – the sign known for its playful and mischievous nature. And let me tell you, it's true! I can't resist a good dose of silliness and finding humor in everyday situations.
I Played Piano: For eight long years, I embarked on a valiant (or perhaps slightly misguided) quest to master the piano. My teacher, bless her patient heart, might describe me as her most...unique student (in fact she said I was her worst! Oops). I was never good at reading notes and didn’t practice much but love playing when I can for fun.
The Art of Origami: As a kid, I channeled my creativity into the intricate world of origami. I could fold a single sheet of paper into anything from a majestic crane to a playful jumping frog. There's something mesmerizing about transforming a simple piece of paper into a work of art, and the challenge of mastering each fold kept me hooked for hours. One of the best movies is Between the Folds.
Wing Chun Martial Arts: My Chinese middle name is a form of martial arts that Bruce Lee learned called Wing Chun. My dad was obsessed with the art and trained me. I then went on to star in a documentary honoring the craft. Now the movie has a remarkable 2.7M views!
Designing for the White House: This one might surprise you! I once had the distinct honor of creating stationery for the White House - their US digital service division - team of technologists, designers, and user researchers focused on improving the digital services offered by the US government.\
Young at Heart: I freely admit to having a bit of a sentimental streak. Case in point? I've held onto a well-worn Foo Fighters sweatshirt my cousin gave me over 20 years ago. It's practically falling apart at the seams, but the memories sewn into the fabric are priceless. It's a reminder of simpler times and the enduring power of friendship.
Forever Spring: My Chinese name translates to "forever spring." Maybe that signifies a constant sense of renewal or a youthful spirit, which would fit with my silly side and love for trying new things. Spring is a time of growth, of new beginnings, and that resonates with me. Who knows what adventures await, but I approach them with the same enthusiasm and optimism as the first warm days after a long winter.
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