Continuing my story… if you haven’t, catch up on my story part 1
In 1999-2000 I was on a path to study graphic design and I had a fascination with holistic health including all things meditation and wellbeing. I was an athlete, played various competitive sports with a passion for basketball and had a talent for speed and agility. I played as a starting point guard and co-captain at De Anza junior college in Cupertino for two years, traveled for games and tournaments across California and was on track to play competitive basketball at a 4-year university.
Then, in 2000 in a playoff game, I had scored an all time high at the half only to be injured which led to a torn ACL injury. This devastating injury set off a series of obstacles including feeling a sense of despair since I couldn’t play basketball anymore. Ultimately, I eventually lost motivation to pursue art altogether.
I overcame a year of recovery, complications and another torn ACL before I had to reevaluate my life’s path. Unfortunately, my basketball coach (my badminton coach as well) lost his life in a tragic car accident. He was not only a coach but a mentor who taught me that
I could be an artist
I could win, and
I could make it.
He was known as one of the greatest shooters in the Bay Area, and is a member of the Hall of Fame at both Bishop O'Dowd High School and Santa Clara University. He was tough, caring and always believed in me.
2003 was a turning point when my father encouraged me to refocus and study something creative yet practical so I received a degree in Marketing at San Francisco State which blended business and creativity. That’s where the next part of my story began…
The De Anza Dons Women’s basketball team. We were the most hilarious, hard working and dedicated bunch.
Santa Clara University ‘67