A lot has happened in 2008, it was a year of tribulation, exploration, and massive growth. I started the year with job uncertainty and concerns for my grandma’s health. The presidential election and mounting economic concerns took its toll on me as well. Not to mention, living in Hong Kong was as challenge and being miles away from Cody (my fair lady) made it unbearable; but it allowed me to discovery my roots and explore a side of myself that I’ve grown to love (being an Asian American). I learnt to be conversational in my mother tongue and I literally became a local in Hong Kong. I’ve also grown to be familiar with Chinese history, sometime I have long avoided since a child. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and am thankful to all my friends and family around the world for their support, encouragement, and love.

2008 was the year I made my first angel investment in a start-up (a very small amount). It was pretty scary, but I am glad to have done it because I learnt so much in the process. Today, I serve as an adviser to the management team and the company is performing well dispute the poor economic conditions. I also managed to complete my masters in Information Technology from the school of engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The program allowed me to further explore the realm of technology and the career possibilities I can have in such field. The program was exciting, yet exhausting. It gave me the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds on a number of meaningful projects/papers as well as network with some of the leading professors in the industry. The knowledge that I have obtained from this program and the friends that I have made along the way has made the struggle well worth it.

As we dive into the new year with healthy love ones beside us and a hope for a better tomorrow with Obama as our leader, we begin to set our new years resolutions for 2009.

These are some of my new years resolutions for 2009 (I am sure this list will be a lot longer before it is finalized):

• Have an app in the iPhone App Store
• Have an app in the Google Android Marketplace
• Blog more often
• Have a viral video on the Internet
• Become conversational in Mandarin
• Be able to read basic simplified Chinese
• Further improve upon my Cantonese
• Volunteer more often
• Drink more tea and less coffee
• Maintain a body weight of 140 pounds
• Run a 5k
• Read at least one book a month
• Try a new a restaurant every other week
• Budget / Invest more effectively
• Learn how to develop in Ruby on rail
• Spend more time with my gf, friends, and family

Here’s to another great year, Happy New Years All !

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Since I have graduated from University it’s been nothing, but hard work. From starting my own business to my present employment as a business consultant, I’ve seen the worst of the worst and have tried to learn from every wrong doing. My conclusions of it all is that we all make mistakes in life (even me), and we should face these short-comings, learn from them and ensure that it doesn’t occur again. This method has helped me so far. I’ve had many struggles as a professional (in only a year’s time) but, I’ve taken them as lessons. Sure the world would be awesome if it was stress free but, we would then all be identical. Now what’s the fun in that? The great thing about life is our uniqueness: how we laugh, how we deal with stress, how we love…

All I can say to all my buddies struggle in the professional world and even those still in Uni is to remain positive, complain to relive the tension but, always learn from the hardship.

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Whats next? Well I’m starting from scratch, building a new foundation, embarking on a new beginning. In a matter of weeks I have meet some awesome friends and conquered some outstanding goals. Life is what you make of it. Stand still and watch the world past you by. Be active get what you want out of this world. “I’m Leaving my mark!”

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When I think back on my life and see all that I have, I can’t help but feel guilty. Do I really need three computers? Do I really need a nice car? No not really but growing up in a capitalist world, we have been raised to attain wants rather then just needs. Now is that right? I see justice is being able to enjoy the money you’ve worked hard to earn, but that doesn’t mean piss it away either. I have been fortunate enough to have the greatest parents in the world which were willing to sacrifice there own desire to give my sister and I all that we wanted (iPods, cars, education, etc.). I know there are places in the world where parents want to do that for there children as well, but given the environment and the economical conditions that is just not possible. There child may be extremely smart but without the funds may not be able to reach their potential.

The lack of education throughout rural areas is a huge concern and I’m glad to see people are doing something about it. “Education for the Children of China (ECC) Fund, Inc. is giving underprivileged children in rural China a chance to receive guidance and education. The disparity in educational and income levels between the large metropolis and rural areas of China is drastic. As such, children from the rural areas seldom have the money to attend classes. Although China’s economy has grown tremendously with adequate foreign corporate investments in recent years, statistics show that over six hundred counties in China are well below poverty levels. Further, there are over 6,000,000 people in China whose annual income does not exceed 2000 Yuan (US $250). The educational levels in these areas are much lower when compared to that of more prosperous regions of China.”

More notable about ECC is that it was established by young volunteers who have great interests in the Chinese culture and history. It’s important that our youths realize they are needed to make a change in the world for the better. It can be an interest as broad as Chinese culture, but finding ways to make a difference and preserve the world is extremely important. If we all can pitch in, like the volunteers at ECC, the world would be a lot better place to live in for everyone.

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Check out AIFS STUDY ABROAD VIDEO and see what an advantage study abroad can be. The short movie shows testimonials from students just like you overseas and has great shots and footage of AIFS locations! Learn how AIFS all-inclusive programs enhanced the lives of these participants abroad.

*Remember You don’t have to go through AIFS they are just one of the options. Go and visit your universities study abroad office for more information.

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The leaders and heroes of tomorrow are making a difference today.

American Eagle’s Live Your Life campaign is something I strongly support. It allows passionate people who wish to make a difference in the world the possibility to do so. These great individuals are recognized every year by American Eagle. This year’s (2006) AE Live Your Life winners include Becca, Michael, Melody, Elizabeth, Josh, and Arielle. They all with different goals but are united with a common interest, to make an impact in the world. Becca at age 14 is sharing her love for science by setting up education camps for girls nationwide. Michael at age 18 is fight to lower medication cost so that patients can concentrate more recovery rather then their bill. Melody is a gifted 21 year old pianist, and she hopes to spread her joy of music through inter-city after school programs for. Elizabeth at age 18 has a message and is not afraid to be heard. She is uses her passion for poetry and illustration to motivate individuals and communities nationwide. Josh, a 21 year old cancer survivor is a true testament to the words “defying odds.” With Support of friends, family, and AE Josh hopes to become the best one-legged skier the world has ever seen, and while doing so he hopes inspire other individuals to chase their dreams no matter the obstacles in front of them. Finally, Arielle a strong 23 year old who is fighting a disease that is impairing her hearing and vision has set out make known of this disease’s importance. With the support of AE and local communities she fighting to raise money for research as well as advocated early testing among today’s youths.

These are all great individuals and they all have inspired me to continue making a difference in the world wherever I can. Sometimes it’s not what you know but, it’s the effort that you but forth that really makes you succeed. These AE winners all had the determination to find and achieve there dreams and that’s what makes them great, and that’s what made them succeed.

Please do check out these great individuals, the lives they live and the examples they are providing for people around the world.

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The one thing I am certain of is whichever path I do decide to chose, I will succeed! Not because I’m smart but, because I won’t let myself fail. I have never given up and will not start now. Life is too short to look back on missed opportunities, make your choice the preferred option. I have always been out to prove to myself and everyone else that my decision was indeed the worth while option.

Deciding for the future:

Continuing professional success

Currently Interviewing with:

• Hyperknowledge – Junior Consultant
• Google – Product Marketing Associate for Ad-Sense
• Bloomingdales – Marketing Effectiveness Associate
• Merrill Lynch – Communications / Marketing Specialist

Continuing education

Accepted to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for an Msc in Information Technology

• Further develop my technical expertise in information, which will aid me as a marketer in the innovative sector of tracking, segmenting, and measuring effectiveness
• Experience, explore and understand the Asian markets
• Challenge myself to learn and succeed in a diverse and highly dynamic environment
• Network and build relationships with locals and top executives around the world
• World class international faculty and education program that is continuously ranked number 1 in Asia and top 50 around the world by the Financial Times.

Accepted to the National University of Singapore for a PhD in Information Systems, specializing Digital Media

• Further develop my technical expertise in information, which will aid me as a marketer in the innovative sector of tracking, segmenting, and measuring effectiveness
• Experience, explore and understand the Asian markets
• Challenge myself to learn and succeed in a diverse and highly competitive environment
• Network and build relationships with locals and top executives around the world
• Renowned for its international alliances with Ivey programs, break through research, and consistent top ten world rankings in The UK Times and Thomson’s Institute Science Information.

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The notion of living life is sometimes over looked. We are all born with dreams., these dreams may change over time however, “they won’t turn golden till we touch them.”

Most of us have followed the social norms of going through the levels of education set forth and the moving on to industry because that’s what’s expected of us. Some will achieve greatness along the way; others will take the path less traveled by. However, we must remember to stay true to our beliefs and grab those dreams before they past us by.

At this point in your life could you say that you’re absolutely satisfied with what you have done thus far? Some of the population may answer yes but, as for me I regret not being able to do a lot. I’ve always had a lot of big dreams, some may say too many at that. I fell short of accomplishing a lot; but, for the ones that I have gotten the chance to achieve it has been the mold that made me the success I am today.

Aaron Tang is making a difference, working for a solution to provide a quality education for every child. Kellie Jurado has built an organization that brings awareness to the special needs of foster children. Tori Allen is working to become a standout in rock climbing, while advocating sportsmanship among girls along the way. And Olivia Akerley at age 16 has jump started her goal of someday making it on the US Freestyle Ski Team.

We all have our own dreams. The ones that take action on those dreams are the ones destine for greatness. Remember we all have the potential to be great, but the ones that put forth the effort will be the ones that succeed.

American Eagle, a company that reflects the spirits and values of being authentic, individual, and real has been a driving force of encouragement among youths. What comes to your mind when you hear of American Eagle? Cute, trendy, affordable clothing? I can assure you “American Eagle is much more then that. They are making the world a better place through volunteering, donating, and contributing time to increase the quality of life for many individuals (Akerley).” Through the Live your life contest they give individuals like you and me the chance to accomplish their dreams. “They encourage us young adults to aim high, live large, and achieve more.” If want to learn more about the great things American Eagle are doing Visit them at www.aeliveyourlife.com

Before I end this post let me leave you with a quote I once heard from Steve Jobs, “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.” No one has one dream. Accomplishing one only means the beginning of another. So “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish!”

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Would you chose being rich over happiness and an average income…

Many would grab the bags of money as they come, but for me Happiness is more important! Family->Friends->Security In that order…

Would you accept a job that you really dislike and have no desire to wake up for, but the salary is great?

Humm………

90% of the time I would say that I would not settle for something that I don’t enjoy, no matter what the pay is. Of course there are situations when we will be force into a undesirable outcomes. In that case we must make the best of our misfortunes and stay humble.

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The day has finally come, I graduated from University with an Bachelors Degree in Management (Concentration in Management Information Systems and Marketing) and a minor in Computer Science. I have always knew I would be able to finish, but the route that I would take to the end was never clear.

Growing up, I was just your average student. Never one to have the best grades, did just enough to get by. However when I started University a different mind set had come over me, I guess it was maturity kicking in. It seemed to fuel my passion to learn and be the best. I began to achieve grades that I never thought I would have gotten. I started to learn things that interest me so much to that point that I began side projects on my own to put these ideas, theories, and techniques into practice.

I have always been enterpurur at heart but I guess these last few years has given me that extra push to, in the words of P Diddy “Go Get Mines.”

So from starting out at a private school in St. Johns, then moving away to Binghamton, and traveling the world abroad at Nottingham it has diversified me in ways I never thought possible. From the various environment, to the courses, and the people, they have all left there mark on me directly or indirectly. I have grown to be more knowledgeable in my profession and in life.

They often say college is the best times of your life, now I can see the true in that saying. What you do after college is up to you! Some may go on to become billionaires and some my end up working at your local Wendys. The truth to that matter is that money can’t make us all happy. Others may pass up unbelievable opportunities for ones that many see as less valued. It’s up to the individual to judge, that’s what makes us humans so great, we all think differently. It’s because of traits like these that make others worth knowing… As for me I went into college wanting to be the next Bill Gates and I left wanting to the the next Bill Gates. But what you don’t see in that statement is how I have changed.

A computer science major at first, I always wanted to build a program that can change the world and secure me financially for life, similar to what Mr.Gates has done. Over time I have grown a larger interest for Business, thus I given in my hard code for a chance to take part in managerial duties. I no longer felt it was necessary to become rich, all I need is the satisfaction of being able to do what I love to do everyday, and that is Market. I hope to be a global marketer one day and be as international as Mr. Gates.

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