What Influences You?
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| The Influencers Margaret Cho: The No-Holds-Barred Entertainer Field: Comedy Why: She uses laughs to say what needs to be said about discrimination, vice, and injustice Jerry Yang: The Visionary Yahoo! Co-founder Field: Technology Why: He revolutionized the way we use the internet Jon Chu: The Humble Film Director Field: Film Why: He knows telling the story well matters more than anything else Jen Wang and Diana Nguyen: Co-founders of Disgrasian Field: Critique Why: They provide a candid forum for hard-hitting issues about race, politics, and society Eva Chen: Teen Vogue’s Tech-Savvy Beauty and Health Director Field: Beauty Why: She gives advice to teens like the cool big sister they’ve always wanted Evan Low: The Nation’s Youngest Asian American Mayor Field: Politics Why: He doesn’t let anyone get his dreams down Chang Rae Lee: The Prolific Novelist on Personal Struggle Field: Literature Why: He’s an inspiring and captivating literary voice Jennifer 8. Lee: The Reporter Who Gives People a Voice Field: Journalism Why: She’s changing the face of new media and web-based self-expression Zee Avi: The Singing, Song-Writing Master on Heartbreak Field: Music Why: She made a career stemming from boredom Janet Hsieh: The Justice-Minded Travel Show Host Field: Television Why: She proves it’s okay to not play to stereotypical female archetypes Lela Lee: The Unabashed Founder of Little Angry Girls Field: Graphics Why: She empowers females to be assertive about their emotions Shaun Evaristo: Choreographer to the Stars Field: Dance Why: He developed a precise, intense style that inspires dancers and viewers alike Hannah Song: The First Female CEO of Liberty in North Korea Field: Philanthropy Why: She shows that age is not a deterrent for making change in the world |
| The Influences Growing Up Asian American in Hawaii How growing up in a diverse community actually can make you feel “less Asian” later Hapa Diaries: The Pull of Two Cultures Why one Mochi writer’s feels like she can’t be both Asian and Caucasian K-Pop Fever and Its Asian American Victims How this international phenomenon connects Asian Americans with their roots |
Dear Mochi readers,
If I had to narrow down the one thing in my life that influenced me the most, it would be my five summers of nerd camp. Between the ages of 12 to 17, my parents would ship me off across the Pacific (with a lovely, puke-green, airline-sanctioned “Unaccompanied Minor” button on my chest) to attend the Center for Talented Youth, better known as CTY. Camp took me from upstate New York to Hawaii, and was the first time I was ever forced to step out of my comfort zone. There, I met the most fascinating people and professors who would challenge me to rethink every single thing I had ever learned and took for granted. Every summer was a three-week crash course in self-confidence and socializing, and what I learned completely shaped my personality and outlook into what it is today.
It’s almost impossible to tell when you’re living a moment that may not just change your life, but the lives of others. We’ve dedicated this issue of Mochi to people who have a made a difference—the biggest influencers today in industries like politics, entertainment, technology and more. We asked them to look back on the bits and pieces of their lives that have had an influence on who they are and what they do today. Then, we stepped inward and took a look at the everyday things that influence us—from ethnicity to pop culture.
Each summer after camp, I would return home – depressed to have left, but happy for the amazing memories. Above all, camp taught me that the best of experiences end. So, take lots of pictures. Meet everyone you can. And don’t be afraid when one big chapter of your life is over because it will color every future chapter of your life.
I hope you’ll remember this as you read through this issue’s articles. Every single person featured was once a teenager, not sure of the impact they would make on the world. And look at them now.
Always,
Steph
Related posts:
- LiNK’s Hannah Song: Forever Committed to a Cause
- Teen Vogue’s Eva Chen: A Big Sister to All
- Evan Low: The Nation’s Youngest Asian American Mayor
- Director Jon Chu: The Master of Story Telling
What about Joseph Cao (R-La), first Vietnamese-American to be elected to Congress in Jan 2011?
http://josephcao.house.gov/
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