It’s really hard to sum up my thoughts on the last decade, so let’s start from the beginning of my life.
I really don’t remember anything from the 1990’s, being that it was my childhood, and many of the memories are now scrambled up. It was a little rough growing up in Stanton though, and moving to Garden Grove probably saved my childhood. I was raised on the music of the 90’s and various television shows primarily from FOX and the now deceased WB network.
The 2000’s were definitely the worst decade, as a transitional phase from middle school to high school, and to college. I was the most insecure at that point in my life and the most unsure of myself.
And though this past decade (2010 to 2019) was definitely my favorite decade, it had its key moments of highs and lows, and gives me an ample framework by which to reflect on.
Though it’s embarrassing re-reading old blog posts and thinking about how I could have possibly written some things in the past, it allows me a variety of opportunity to reflect on my growth and development over the past few years. Being that it’s now been an entire decade since I started blogging, it’s useful for me to use those blogs as guideposts for where I want to move forward in my life, and what is important to me.
Just look at these old end of year reflections to see the growth from year to year.
2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019
Here’s my favorite tv shows, music, and movie from this decade:
This decade hallmarked the end of my college years, and my overall transition into adulthood. In these years I’ve had the following;
- 5 Life-Threatening Car Accidents
- 13 Jobs
- 4 Breakups
- 7 Vacations
- Around 750 Students
- 169 Trips to Phil’s BBQ
- One Annoying Family
- Many Friend Groups
Life threatening car accidents aren’t fun, but they only make stronger. This of course happened when my head gasket blew up on my way to Vegas, when I ran a red light after a breakup in Las Vegas and t-boned a car, when I ran a yellow light in Los Angeles and it t-boned me, when my friend swerved on a freeway on our way to Phil’s BBQ when another car changed lanes and almost hit us, and of course when my friend fell asleep and hit a telephone pole on our way home from the beach playing Pokemon Go. Truly life changing experiences, and makes for a memorable decade of car accidents.
Moving from job to job isn’t fun, but each and every place I’ve worked at has taught me many valuable lessons. Cram taught me teaching is difficult. RKMS taught me what I can bring outside of teaching into the classroom. Fairmont taught me the importance of still being a child deep down inside no matter where you go and having those childhood instincts activated.
Just like Ariana Grande’s exes taught her lessons, so too have mine. Geetha taught me what caring about somebody ultimately means and looks like. Kim Chi taught me the power of forgiveness. Teresa taught me how distance and time can break relationships. And Moa taught me that compatibility is very important for a long-term relationship.
I truly appreciate all the vacations I’ve gone on the past few years, from volunteering in Iowa for Ron Paul, to going to Europe, Disney World, Chicago, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Mexico – I truly am blessed to have those experiences. Just the other day, I met a tour guide who said he made about 10 dollars a day working. That’s just crazy to think about about and really gives me much insight into the privilege we all have as Americans. I hope to have more opportunities for travel in the near future.
All the students I’ve had have taught me different lessons, both good and the bad. I hope to be able to embrace and get to know students in the future and be a better role model for them for years to come. Many of the students I have taught are transitioning into adulthood, and I just might go see them graduate this coming year.
Phil’s BBQ is the one true place I will never stop bringing people (unless of course I have a heart attack). It’s not really just about the food, it’s about the experiences of taking long trips together, and making memories that will last forever.
Though my family is really annoying and gossips so much, they will always be there for me. Even if it means quitting my job mid year and moving back home, having somewhere to be is an extra safety net I will truly embrace in the years to come.
Though I have experienced many many friend groups over the years depending on where I’ve been, I’ve tried to take bits and pieces from everywhere and maintain those relationships. Which is why I still have friendships from everywhere – middle school, high school, UCSD, CSUF, different jobs I’ve worked at, Anime Expo, living in Vegas, volunteering, etc….. regardless of where I meet people I truly believe you do meet them for a reason, and for that I have been changed for good.
It’s been a good decade, and in fact it’s been my favorite decade. I hope to continue to cherish all the experiences I have going forward, and hope to make my next decade even better.
