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

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Maybe it was my parents’ compulsive need to pack educational experiences into every ounce of my childhood. Or maybe it was a desperate attempt to salvage their sanity by getting my brother and I out of the house as much as possible. But as far back as when I was 10 years old, I was flying across the ocean with a bright green “Unaccompanied Minor” button on my hoodie —spending summers at my aunt’s house in Los Angeles, studying pre-calculus at nerd camp or visiting dilapidated castles in England. I’m sad to admit that my teenaged brain was bored to shreds by the crumbling old buildings—though I’d kill to go back and explore them now. Maybe it’s because I was encouraged to do something other than complete a mandatory reading list during the three-month vacation, but even today, summer to me translates into getting away and having an amazing experience.

With our travel issue, we hope to inspire you to do the same. Whether it’s planning an exotic trip to Asia or having a great time in your own backyard, summer is about the endless opportunities to enjoy yourself. Mochi writers share their experiences discovering cultural heritage in China, falling in love with community service in Honduras and braving Europe with a backpack. For those of you with plans to stay put, we’ve got must-read books, exercise tips and ways to be productive if you’re not interning from 9 to 5 p.m.

This issue’s features include golfer Michelle Wie, who is about to tear up the green this summer at the U.S. Women’s Open, and actor Justin Chon, who plays go-to guy Eric Yorkie in “The Twilight Saga.” YouTube entrepreneur Lindy Tsang adds another dimension of self-made success to our typical features.

For the lucky ones, summer means less responsibility and more freedom. Get out there and do something great in the next few months so you’ll have some great stories to tell in September. Personally, I’ve got big plans to enjoy the outdoor weather and squeeze in some traveling if possible. Hey, it might not be touring castles in Europe, but at least this time I’ll appreciate life as it happens. What are your summer plans?

Wanderlustfully,
Steph
steph@mochimag.com

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I remember the college application process like it was yesterday. From applying early decision in November to finishing the rest of my applications late December (like any good procrastinator, I hit the “submit” button five minutes before heading out to ring in the new year); to the breathless refreshing of my email in the school computer labs in March. I’ll never forget the disappointment of being deferred, then rejected from my first-choice college and months later, the rush of relief that came with accepting a spot at my now alma-mater, New York University.

The next four years were a whirlwind of new experiences. I figured out how to write a paper on a book I had only read half of, put eight years of French to good use in Paris and juggled a full-time course load, internship and night shifts at the school newspaper. Arguably of more importance, I learned how to handle my alcohol, write an attention-getting cover letter and that it is indeed possible to laugh until your sides hurt — and then laugh some more.

Mochi’s newest issue is a dedication to what I consider the most life-changing four years of my life (at least so far). As the last of the acceptance letters trickle in and high school seniors everywhere make the decision that will shape their futures, the best part is yet to come. In our college issue, we have the best places to study abroad in Asia, massage tips to relieve stress in your dorm room and advice on getting an internship. Mochi writers spoke out about how they defied academic stereotypes and learned what was important to them in a college relationship. We didn’t ignore the pitfalls of college, either; our health editor looked into the dangers of prescription drug abuse and how to beat the dreaded “Freshman 15.”

For those of you who haven’t started the college application process, we compiled a list of the 10 best Asian/Pacific American programs, found scholarships dedicated to Asian Americans and share tips on acing a college interview. We even have two admissions counselors to debunk the most common myths of their job.

As always, we have our entertainment and fashion features. “Glee” star Harry Shum, Jr. and “Lovely Bones” actress Nikki Soohoo were happy to speak to us about their experiences in the acting industry and our neon and romance photo shoots show off the best of spring fashion.

I hope you’ll enjoy this new issue, which was a true labor of love and could not have happened without a staff that was so enthusiastic to share college experiences with our readers. Keep an eye on the blog for an upcoming series featuring our picks for the 15 most influential Asian American college students right now. If you’d like to nominate someone or just want to drop me a line, send me an e-mail at steph@mochimag.com.

Nostalgically,

Steph

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Dear Readers,

How do you feel about Mochi’s new look? For our winter body-themed issue, we’ve given ourselves a makeover as well. This season, with the cold weather making us sluggish and a little lazier than usual, we’ve turned our minds to all things body- and health-related. We talked to a range of celebrities to weigh in on body image—singer-songwriter Marie Digby, “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant Karla Garcia and “Fame” actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.

We wanted to bring attention to issues close to our hearts: one Mochi staffer shares her own struggle with anorexia while another explores why Asian Americans seem largely ignored in the conversation about eating disorders. We’ve gotten the low-down on cosmetic surgeries popular among Asians, such as eyelid or nose surgery. And we met a pair of young women who are making strides in the battle against sex trafficking by employing and empowering former sex workers.

On a lighter note, we found four up-and-coming Asian American models to star in our fashion shoot, which features tips for dressing four different body shapes in this season’s hottest styles. Of course, we can’t ever talk about body issues without mentioning one of my favorite topics: food. We’ve looked into whether the typical “Asian diet” can really be more healthful, and found some dorm-friendly recipes for chili noodles and veggie fried rice that you can make in any kitchenette.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed producing it. Sit back with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and browse through our new website. And as usual, if you happen to have any questions, comments or suggestions along the way, you can always reach me at steph@mochimag.com.

Happy holidays,

Steph

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Hi everyone, and welcome back to Mochi. For this summer’s issue, we’ve gone with an eco-friendly theme. From makeup to food, there’s no denying that being environmentally conscious has seeped into every aspect of our lives. One Mochi writer talks about how her family’s “Asian” practices have taught her to recycle and reuse. I can relate — for as long as I can remember, my mother has saved unused ketchup packets and plastic utensils from McDonald’s. I used to roll my eyes, but thinking back on it now, I’ve never, ever had to purchase ketchup or plastic utensils. I guess Mom knows best on how to conserve. This issue is also chock-full of advice: our editors and writers are taking aspects of their lives where they’ve learned useful lessons, and are sharing it with you in hopes that you’ll be better prepared for your next adventure, whether it’s finding something new to wear in the morning, figuring out what type of food is best for you, or dealing with a bad breakup.

We’ve also profiled some people we think will be the next big thing — singer/songwriter Tim Be Told, fashion blogger Susanna Lau (aka Susie Bubble), and rap/rock group afterschoolspecial. They’ve inspired us, and we hope their stories do the same for you.

And one last note on inspiration — if any of our stories strike a chord with you, why not take a step further and consider studying all things green? We’ve got a great roundup of scholarships to give you a little more incentive, if need be.

As always, feel free to e-mail me at steph@mochimag.com with any comments, suggestions, or even ideas for next issue’s theme. Enjoy the issue, and don’t forget to check out our daily blog to tide you through until the next one.

- Steph

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