Potter + Clay

Bob said, "If you are going to be a teacher, you have got to join Toastmasters." Fast-forward many years later, and I was the master of ceremonies for the Division A Toastmaster International Speech and Evaluation contest. Public speaking has never been my strength, but I couldn't have done it without Toastmasters.

I first came to know Toastmasters in high school. I was a timid person. Public speaking scared me. Immigrating to the United States as a kid made speaking in front of people even harder because I had to communicate in a foreign language. But God always puts people in your path to help you and circumstances to mold you into the person he wants you to be. One such person was Bob Rivera from the University of La Verne. Bob taught communication and the debate team. My brother Leo was his student. Bob gave extra credit to his students and always brought donuts and coffee to all who attended. Afterwards, we would go to the Village Grill for breakfast. Afterwards, Leo would drive me back to Ayala High School for period 1. Later that summer, I attended the debate competition in Tempe, Arizona, where I lost every debate match. But public speaking stuck with me. If you ever want to join our Toastmasters meeting, we still meet every Friday at 7:11 am PST. Here's the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81852618242#success

Division A International Speech and Evaluation Speech Contest 2025

Over the past year, I've been studying ceramics. I began with hand-building techniques using clay, progressed to slab construction, and finally advanced to throwing clay on the wheel. What started as a simple lump of clay transformed into something sturdy and beautiful. The clay undergoes shaping and stretching and is eventually placed in the kiln, where the temperature can rise to 2232°F.

In life, we are also placed in adverse conditions. But these circumstances mold us and shape us into stronger people. I remember my economics and American government teacher, Mr. Holgium, reminding us in high school that if we always get what we want when we want it, then we would be like an amoeba floating in space.

When we first immigrated to the States in 1987, there were hardly any Chinese people in Hacienda Heights and Chino Hills. My brother and I experienced some prejudice. We would miss swimming practice because sometimes people were unkind. But many people were wonderful. Swimming helped me bond with my peers in high school and brought about friendships that I cherish to this day!

When we see a piece of artwork, no matter how well or poorly made, we assume someone made it. However, when we see the most beautiful creation of this world, how can we dismiss that there is a maker behind it all? In Isaiah 64:8, it says, "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." God has placed me in difficult situations, but he has put many people to help me along the way. Another person he has placed on my path is my dad! But that is another blog post for another day.

Chicken was one of my first pieces of ceramic that was sold!