On Passion and Applause

This summer semester, I'm taking 3 classes:
- Asian American Studies. It's a critical thinking class. It's about race and racism.
- Art & Mass Medias. How fine & pop arts and medias are related.
- some junior-level English (writing) class.
As I'm majoring in Economics, I've always been taught by mostly hardcore conservative professors.
That is my comfort zone. Although, I do not consider myself a pure conservative, I lean towards it.
From others' experiences, I hear things about other social sciences professors. They are very liberal.
That is the complete opposite of what I believe in.
The Asian American Studies is really interesting. Obviously the professor teaches us some materials that I might classify more as "theory," not really proven.
For example, she opposed the idea of Americans invasion over Iraq. She believes that it is not our business to get involved in it. And, she mentioned that US used the "weapon of mass destruction" as an excuse.
Well, here's my take on it:
This is what I learned from a friend of mine, who is a soldier and served in Iraq few years ago.
- The soldiers help to re-build Iraq. They build houses, schools, they play sports with the local kids, etc.
- Before the invasion, we know that Saddam Husein was in absolute power. He went out to the street killing and raping people.
Therefore, for whatever reasons or excuses Americans might use, I think the invasion brought out something good for Iraqis people. They are no longer living in fear (at least there's no Saddam Husein).
I AM AGAINST WAR. I hate the idea of invasion to other countries. But, if one country is trying to help (esp. toppling down authoritarian leaders), it might lead to a better future for the people.
I am speaking out of my own experience. Indonesia was not a free country. Being a minority was something you had to regret since the day you were born.
Freedom and peace come in a high price.
Although my professor and I may not on the same side in most cases, but she respect others opinion, and does not bring down your grade for this reason. She is a really lovely person. :)
This class is really an eye-opening for me. Not only it really makes me more critical about this kind of issues, but also my professor's passion.
She is passionate in educating students and passionate in spreading what she believes in.
Passion separates the extrodinaries from the ordinaries! It does make a difference.
I am always in awe of passionate people. If only everyone follows their own passion. I think our civilization might progress more rapidly.
Passion is something that motivates you, makes you want to learn more. It gives you satisfaction out of what you do. Isn't great to love what you do? Isn't great to get paid for what you love to do?
There will be rocky roads. But, passionate people won't give up.
People can see you clearly when you show them that you love what you do.
I see it in the dance world and academic world. Sometimes you might lead others to love what you love. Or if not, others can see your enjoyment and find their own.
When they do make a change in my life, I always give them some acknowledgment or respect. Just let them know that they are doing a great job and how it impacts you. Some of them might not respond well, but hey that's their problems.
I believe in treating others the way you want to be treated. Therefore, regardless of their responses, I still say or do it. You never know that a lot of people really need this "pat on the back." They might be this close to give up, or quit doing their things, because they think that it doesn't make any difference or people don't respect their works. Showing your sincere, and truthful appreciation may keep them going.
It is never wrong to say positive things to others. Express it!
Cheers! :)

Looking Back on My Journey

I was talking to my sister the other night. I mentioned to her that when I was growing up, I used to kinda hide the fact that I love to dance. Middle school, High school fellows did not really fond of the idea of dancing. There was a stereotype that those who dance in school events, or wherever might be, are type of people who flirt, trying to be the center of attention. Not wanting to be associated with those things, I never participated in school's dance activities, like any talent shows, or extracurricular. However, secretly and diligently I was working my ass off practicing at home, at Marlupi dance studio, and some dance groups. Silly times, hahaha.. I still remembered that MTV aired Wade Robson Project on Sunday afternoon, my mom and I watched the show together. Then, I would try to learn his moves. Whenever they air the show, I would always watch it, even though I had watched that particular episode before. I remembered 2 contestants from the show: Twitch and David Moore. I sort of cant believe, now I took classes from these people, even Wade Robson himself. Well, anyways, before I left for Seattle, I did my research on dance studios. Found one, and learned there. But, I've always had my eyes on Millennium Dance Complex in LA. The place to be for high caliber dancers. It is such a shame I didn't train seriously until a year ago. So, I went to LA every summers, danced for hours there. I've always wanted to move to LA for this reason. Well, here I am now, purposely just living few blocks away from Millennium. Plus, My parents are quite, not fully, supportive of dancing. I don't have a word to express this grateful feelings. Sometimes, I would feel like there are people who are less fortunate, but are more talented than me, they might deserve the privilege I have. Dancing is surely a privilege. Learning from the best gurus are just beyond words. I'm aware of that, and that's why I'm learning as much as possible, and trying not to take all the available resources for granted.
Do I deserve to be here? I don't know. It's been a long way for me just to reach this point. It was only a dream, but then the ball start rolling. I've been working pretty hard, juggling with kinda hectic schedule, picking myself up every time I'm down, and growing thick-face.
I might not the best or the greatest dancer (yet). But, I know I'm quite proud of myself. I'm coming from a country where the dance scene is nowhere near comparable to Hollywood standard. Society overlooks and undermines dancing. Telling you the truth, most of kids in my culture have our future jobs pre-determined already. It's businessmen/women (or business-related jobs), engineering jobs, and some designers. My parents keep telling me thousand times that I couldn't pursue dancing as a major, let alone career. Really, the job options are limited. Dancing blood is not running in my family. I have very little training of it. So, now I'm here sharing the floor with talented people from all over the world. Most, if not all, of them have been dancing since they have been dancing since they were born.
I feel it's just miracle that took me to this point. And, few times when I got called in class, you know I feel like going to cloud 9.
It's been a long way. And yet, there's a long road ahead of me. I'm eager and excited to learn, improve, and share the passion.
Most credits go to Him the Big Guy, my parents who are sincerely putting up with my "weirdness," supportive friends, my beloved Ps. Scott Dudley, my teachers who helped me grow in one way or another: Tante Marlupi, Wade Robson, Jermaine Browne, Luam, Eric Negron,Nick Demoura, Jayson Wright, Misha Gabriel, Marty Kudelka, Kenny Wormald, Ivan Koumaev,Joesar Alva, Karon, Donyelle Jones, Nick Wilson, Tucker Barkley, David Moore, Shane Sparks, Rhapsody, Nick Bass, Lyle Beniga, Shaun Evaristo, Leslie Scott -> it's a long list, not a complete one, those are who I can remembered their influence in me. But hey, I gotta respect those who make me who I am today.
As my mom always says: Ora et Labora, and nothing is impossible.