On goodbyes

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."- Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

When my friend Alexis left for college four years ago, I was pretty much a wreck; I was quite sad to see her go. And now that I'm leaving Los Angeles, it's going to be really difficult to go through that again. I guess no matter how old we get and no matter how much we experience in life, goodbyes never seem to get any easier. But in the end, wouldn't we rather have it that way?

On basic principles

As Will Smith said in Hitch and as Vidur sometimes quotes, "basic principles: there are none."

We can only generalize situations to a certain extent; virtually everything is case-by-case. Most of the time it sucks because we're always looking to get ahead, trying to find that edge, but in the end, life is so much more exciting because of it. We sit and contemplate it, asking our friends' advice, constantly spinning our wheels, but at some point, it's vital to just get up and do something about it.

Was that vague enough for you?

On graduating

"Celebrate endings- for they precede new beginnings"- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

For those who know me well enough, and also those who have managed to decipher the not-so-subtle subtext of my past blog posts, I truly believe that I have finally made peace with everything that has troubled me during the last eight months or so. At the risk of sounding cliche, I feel that I'm ready for all the new challenges life will bring. For the first time in probably years, I am very content with where life has taken me. In no way does this mean that I wasn't happy at all, because the past four years have absolutely been the best of my life so far and by no means do I have everything figured out. There's still so much left unknown, but that's okay- it's all part of it. It's just that I can't remember the last time I felt so happy, relaxed, and excited about everything going on.

Graduating was not something I looked forward to during the past few months, but now that I'm here, it's not so bad. I'm going to miss college so incredibly much, but there's just so much to look forward to, so why get caught up in the past? Celebrate it, appreciate it, and move on from there. I have the whole world opened up to me and I cannot wait to see what I can make of it. It's gonna be awesome.

On "thinking of the books"

"There's this famous architecture story about an architect who designed this library. It was perfect. But every year, the whole thing would sink a couple inches into the ground. Eventually, the building was condemned. He forgot to account for the weight of the books... What if I don't think of the books?"- Josh Radnor as Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother (2009)

If you know me well enough, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that I'm quoting How I Met Your Mother. However, I'm not doing it just because it's my favorite show, but instead because of the quote's relevance and the message it conveys.

I officially graduate from college in a couple of days and as exciting as it is to start a new chapter in my life, things are going to be changing so rapidly; it's all going to become real. As much as I've gotten used to the idea of change, and even though I believe that college has prepared me to go out into the world, it's still scary. I've spent the past seventeen years in school, trying to give myself as many opportunities as possible and soon enough, I'll be working in the corporate world, taking on new challenges. I know I can be successful if I work hard, but my life seems to be moving at a pace that causes me to question, "What if I don't think of the books?"

Everyone carries insecurities to some degree, no matter how deep-seated they may be; it's all part of dealing with the unknowns of the future. I guess at some point, we have to realize that we can't worry too much about these kinds of things; it's unhealthy to constantly be so overwhelmed by the future to the point where it negatively affects our lives today. We just have to do one thing at a time, take everything in stride, and try to think of the books.

On TV tapings

Going to college in Los Angeles has provided me so many opportunities that would be difficult to find elsewhere. One of which is the chance to go see television tapings. In previous years, I was fortunate enough to see a taping of So You Think You Can Dance and America's Got Talent (where I briefly met Nick Cannon).

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I attended a Dinner for 12 Strangers and met a production accountant who works on CBS's Rules of Engagement. I told all of you that I would keep you posted on his invitation to see a taping of How I Met Your Mother (my all-time favorite show). Unfortunately, there was some confusion, and when I was given the details, I realized that I was going to a taping of Rules of Engagement instead (which makes more sense because this is the set the guy works on). I was still excited because I also watch this show regularly and it would be the first time I get to see a sitcom being shot.

Earlier this afternoon, my roommate Devan and I drove to Sony Entertainment Studios in Culver City and were VIPs in the taping of an episode for season five. We got to the lot early and when we got to the stage, we were able to wander around the different sets. I don't know if we were supposed to or not, but nobody really said anything lol. It was super cool being able to see all the places we usually see on TV. We took a lot of pictures and got to talk to some of the people who worked on the show.

The episode that we saw (523: Double Down) was super funny, and will probably air within the next couple months. The show is filmed in front of a live studio audience so our laughs were recorded. The guy leading the audience gave me an autographed photo of the cast because I was laughing so much- it's pretty awesome. The whole experience was a lot of fun and I recommend going to a TV taping if you get the chance.

The Island Diner on the Set of CBS's "Rules of Engagement"
(more pictures on facebook)

On backlash

backlash: a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change

Here's a link to an article from The Daily Bruin that explains the backlash caused by the "Asians in the Library" video. We must take the opportunity to learn from this incident.

http://www.dailybruin.com/index.php/article/2011/03/ucla_student039s_youtube_video_039asians_in_the_library039_prompts_death_threats_violent_responses_c

On viral videos and their responses

If you haven't already heard, a video titled "Asians in the Library" has begun to circulate around UCLA and is spreading like wildfire. The video is of a student named Alexandra Wallace (possibly related to the racist former Governor of Alabama, George Wallace?) who is ranting about some Asian people in the library who annoyed her by being too loud when she was trying to study for finals. I first want to say that there is a huge difference between going on a rant and plain ignorance. I found what she said to not only be distasteful, but also offensive and disrespectful. I just want to say that stupid people need to keep their mouths shut and should have to deal with the consequences of their actions. Please note that this girl is in no way a representative of UCLA and should transfer to a different school with a smaller Asian population. I don't even understand how she got in.

This particular video evoked numerous responses as she caused a large amount of controversy by imitating a stereotypical Asian person, using phrases such as "ching chong ling long ting tong," insulting Asian cultures, and bringing up the tragic situation in Japan. Unfortunately, many of the responses to her video were crude and inappropriate, just like her comments were. I think it's great for people to stand up for themselves and not let this girl get away with this blatant racism (I got fairly riled up when I first saw the video), but at the same time it seems unnecessary to sink to her level. Also, the first video that was posted (it was removed by YouTube for violating their hate speech policy) was a mirror video that contained her address and phone number (scary, huh?). But then again, if you don't pull a stunt like this and publish something of this nature, there wouldn't be anything to be afraid of. I think, to some extent, she got what she deserved. What was she expecting to happen? My guess is that she wasn't thinking- maybe because it was too loud in the library lol.

Below, I have provided links to the original video, along with multiple responses. Note that the number of responses continues to grow day after day.

Original Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0JKb_Cn1qc

Video Responses:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiEvmr3I-Ik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBP0iab4DHw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOGpGoEMu2s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBNKTdUQoTU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp7LiElc1JU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl9iZtipUsM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKKxiDVyGKM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzoZzyeHPBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MPWrACuQf8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K171Pbsomws

Remixes/Songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zulEMWj3sVA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ3dFd_h_A0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNTLVSE-Vko

On opening up to others

As you read this post, understand that this idea, although very tangible, can be somewhat idealistic. This is just something I've learned from my experiences...

Over the past few years, I have found myself becoming more and more comfortable opening up to people. I understand that discretion is important, especially when first meeting someone and building a new relationship, but at some point, keeping yourself closed off to others can be detrimental. I'm not saying that we should go around telling people every intimate detail of our lives; obviously there's a line we shouldn't cross, and there are some that should be kept at a distance for one reason or another. I just think we can make stronger connections with others if we open ourselves up and allow them to see who we are. For many, this may require stepping outside of our comfort zone, but from my experience, it makes a world of difference.

When we open up to someone, making ourselves vulnerable, it allows them to open up as well, and can lead to a more genuine relationship.

On nostalgia

There's nothing else that makes me feel nostalgic quite like this song does. It's actually hard for me to listen to without tearing up because it brings me back to an emotional and turbulent time in my life. Nonetheless, it's an amazing song. Hope you enjoy it :)

For Good- Wicked (Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQJaZO2nfGg

"(Elphaba) I'm limited
Just look at me - I'm limited
And just look at you
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
For both of us - now it's up to you...

(Glinda) I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba) It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

(Glinda) Because I knew you

(Both) I have been changed for good

(Elphaba) And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the thing I've done you blame me for

(Glinda) But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

(Both) And none of it seems to matter anymore

(Glinda) Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood

(Elphaba) Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood

(Both) Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

(Glinda) And because I knew you...

(Elphaba) Because I knew you...

(Both) Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good."

On Dinner for 12 Strangers

Last night I was fortunate enough to participate in an event called Dinner for 12 Strangers. Every winter, UCLA's Student Alumni Association brings together a group of twelve people, comprised of students, faculty, and alumni. The event was hosted by a couple alumni who work in the television production business; this dinner's theme was theater, film, and television production, and the faculty member was a professor from the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television. I had heard of this event before, during my first three years in LA, but was never really interested, probably because I didn't take the time to find out what it entailed. I'm glad that I finally took the initiative to apply and was lucky to be selected to attend one of the dinners.

The event was a lot of fun- I met some nice people and had many good conversations (I also got to talk a lot about TV, which is always fun). They had Rubio's cater food so I was happy, and we all ate and talked in the host's living room on couches and chairs- it made everything feel less formal and allowed us to feel more comfortable (versus sitting around a table). The hosts were super cool- one of the guys works on the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition so it was interesting to talk to him about reality television. He told me a lot about how the concept for the show was developed and gave me the inside scoop about how things work on set.

The main host works on CBS's Rules of Engagement, which is one of the many, many sitcoms I regularly watch. It was awesome hearing him talk about how all the actors are off screen. We then got to talking about other shows I like and I mentioned that my favorite show is How I Met Your Mother. Not long after, he asked me if I'd like to go to a taping of the show. My jaw dropped- I was so excited about the offer and I'm actually going to call him tomorrow to find out exactly when the taping would be. I really hope it all works out (and I'll keep you posted).

Spending four plus hours at an alum's house in Manhattan Beach with eleven other strangers, talking about such an eclectic array of topics, was not something that I would have wasted my time with a few years ago. However, after going through all these experiences in college, I got really excited to be involved with this dinner. I am so happy I did this and I encourage all of you to take advantage of opportunities like this because it's not often that these chances come around. Meeting new people, networking, good food, and good conversation- can't beat it.

On Pauley Pavilion

I feel so lucky to have been able to participate in the rich history and tradition of Pauley Pavilion, home of UCLA Basketball. Whether I'm at a basketball game playing in the Varsity Band or simply cheering as a fan, there is always a sense of competitive greatness in the atmosphere. Last year for intramural basketball, we were able to practice on the actual court one night and that was such an unforgettable experience; stepping onto Nell & John Wooden court was indescribable. Just being in the same building where Coach John Wooden achieved so much is incredibly awesome. In my four short years, I've been fortunate to witness some amazing games and unbelievable moments and I'm sure there are many more to come. I'm so proud to be a Bruin!

Legendary Pauley Pavilion
(more pictures on facebook)

On convincing yourself

If you find that you're constantly trying to convince yourself or others of something, take a good look at what it is you're dealing with- you may be wrong. I understand that this is sort of a "glass half-full" point of view, but sometimes it's good to be conservative in these situations and not get ahead of yourself.

On closure

closure: a sense of psychological certainty or completeness: a need for closure

As many of us experience one of the most turbulent periods in our lives, we undergo a multitude of changes. As we grow, we will most likely find ourselves in new environments and new relationships. We're introduced to so many new places, ideas, and people, but what about the old? It's not good to live in the past because that will just keep us from moving forward, but at the same time, we cannot simply forget it (and it's never a good idea to burn your bridges). Sometimes we need to obtain closure, to accept and reconcile the events of our past, in order to continue living the best we can.

Ideally, at least regarding relationships with old friends and loved ones, gaining closure would require more than one person. Unfortunately, that's not always an option. Many times, we're forced to reconcile things amongst ourselves, and this may take a while and can be quite difficult. It's not easy to make peace with ourselves, as we often replay certain events over and over in our heads. But what other choice do we have? We need to be strong and reward ourselves with the time we need to go through our process.

Having to leave a place that you've enjoyed for so long is no easy task either. However, looking back on all of your experiences there, and knowing you've made the most of it definitely helps. I guess at some point, we have to realize that we did the very best we could and this should put us at ease- best not to wrestle with the past. We most likely made some mistakes along the way, but we can take what we learned and put it to good use.