Graduation: How Did I Get Here?

It was 6 months before my 8th grade grad, I was pulled aside and told I was failing math. Out of 40 students, I was the only one that was behind. Growing up in a Chinese immersion school (K-8 public school where you’re taught Chinese as the normal curriculum), we were taught math in Chinese until they switched to English in middle school. To graduate, I sat outside the principal’s office in the elementary building, where for an hour a day, 3rd graders walked by the 8th grader working on math packets, asking if I was in trouble. This moment sealed my fate on the shame and embarrassment with not only math, but my whole outlook on education for the rest of my life. 

Fast-forward 17 years later, and here I am, still in school, something I’ve sworn off. It’s been a week since graduation, and I’ve been processing the whole thing. In reality, the master’s program was the reason why I moved to Oregon, it was the reason why I left my home of 27 years, it was why I put my life on hold. The counseling program, well, was my whole identity for the last three years. I’m the same guy that didn’t bother with the SATs because I had no plans to attend college, yet there I was three years ago, trying to convince George Fox admissions that my 1.8 community college GPA and 2.8 undergrad GPA wasn’t that bad. 

It was 5 months into the Oregon move when I dropped out of seminary, already planning my move back to San Francisco when I got the e-mail. I remember hiding (kidding) in the bathroom at the BOS during one of my shifts when I got it: “I’m pleased to tell you that you have been accepted to the Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling program at George Fox University!” I screamed. 

I was overwhelmed at the time, but also relieved. I had more time to find community and become grounded in a new state, in a new home, and in a new life. 

Insert Undergrad Grad Photo Here

Sike. I didn’t go.

Fuck Academy of Art