"Growing up, there were no actors I could really relate to or see as role models. There were no big name Asian actors, besides Jackie Chan. And most Asian actors I saw in American film or television weren’t taken very seriously; they had the stereotypical roles: the smart one, the foreign one who you could barely understand, or the comic relief. It wasn’t that they did these roles horribly. Rather, it made me feel that if I wanted to go into acting, no one would consider me for prestigious roles, or would assume I could only act in a certain way. It made it seem as if I wasn’t as capable as any other actor, just because of my race. Thus, at a very early age, I understood that as a minority, going into this industry was going to be uphill battle.
It wasn’t until high school when I realized my passion for acting. I remember performing in my first musical during freshman year and feeling a rush like no other. I also remember feeling that this was the only thing I wanted to do with my life the next year, when I performed in my sophomore year’s musical, 'Into The Woods.'
Now, as a BFA Acting Major here at UIUC, I strive to prepare myself as much as I can for this uphill battle I have chosen to take. This industry is indeed whitewashed, but I won’t just sit here and feel bad about it. I’m so fortunate for my passion, and I know that my track to success won’t be easy. My success is not even guaranteed. But for me, just being able to do what I love is enough, and if I can inspire others to do the same, then there’s no reason to give up. Maybe one day, I can be the role model on the big screen to another far too imaginative Asian kid, who dreams to touch the sky, see the depth of the oceans, or even just play pretend for others."
It wasn’t until high school when I realized my passion for acting. I remember performing in my first musical during freshman year and feeling a rush like no other. I also remember feeling that this was the only thing I wanted to do with my life the next year, when I performed in my sophomore year’s musical, 'Into The Woods.'
Now, as a BFA Acting Major here at UIUC, I strive to prepare myself as much as I can for this uphill battle I have chosen to take. This industry is indeed whitewashed, but I won’t just sit here and feel bad about it. I’m so fortunate for my passion, and I know that my track to success won’t be easy. My success is not even guaranteed. But for me, just being able to do what I love is enough, and if I can inspire others to do the same, then there’s no reason to give up. Maybe one day, I can be the role model on the big screen to another far too imaginative Asian kid, who dreams to touch the sky, see the depth of the oceans, or even just play pretend for others."
