Given my current state, most people are surprised at how optimistic I seem.
"It could be worse."
And really. It could be. Yes, I'm in a couple sucky situations. Yes, you may be one of many people I ranted to about it today. Yes, I may not like my situation, but like I said, it could be worse. A lot worse. So here's a note to remind myself of all the things that are right in my life and let everyone know, you don't need to feel sorry for me. 'cause really, it could be worse. 1) I have a family that loves and supports me. My parents support me in my choice of college and major (despite the fact that if they could choose for me, I'd be going to a completely different college and majoring in something different all together) because they know I do what I love. Admittedly, I may not be the best daughter, cousin, niece, etc. But I'm accepted and loved for it nonetheless. That, in itself, means the world to me. 2) I still have a home physically and emotionally. Think about the tsunami victims. So many of them are homeless. So many of them can't find their loved ones. Compared to them, most of us have it pretty good. I still have my apartment in La Jolla and my home in San Francisco in tact. I can still find solstice in the arms of my loved ones if I really need it. I have it pretty damn good.
[Speaking of which, I highly encourage donations to the tsunami victims. They need help NOW. My preferred charities are Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children, but please, just make a donation. No matter how small, it helps.] 3) I have the most supporting friend group ever. Shira brought me food, Garrett Kono talked to me for HOURS keeping me company and accompanying me to events no matter how slow I go, Alex Fung is always there for me, Ryan helps me out with pretty much everything (getting to class, making food, keeping me entertained), Joanna and Yixin/Joey/Garrett/Ryan got me bears at Bear Garden, which made my day, so on and forth. It means a lot to me that my friends are willing to make the effort to help me out and still treat me the same. 4) My world isn't in shambles. Take the Libyans and Egyptians. I have so much respect for those people fighting for what they believe in, but imagine how frightening it is to be in those situations. There's so much uncertainty, fear, and death surrounding them each and every day. Don't our petty little nuisances seem all the more insignificant when put into perspective? 5) Although life is not perfect, I like to think the life I lead is more just than many other places. I sometimes imagine, what if my parents didn't want me? What if I was just left in China? Would I be one those kids begging on the side of the street? Would I still have all my limbs? Would I still be able to see? Would I even resemble the person I am today? Yes, I know these are all gruesome questions and I know it's unthinkable considering how loving my parents are to think I would have been abandoned, but what if? Things may not have turned out so well for me (watch Slumdog Millionaire to understand what I'm talking about). 6) So. Many. Girls. Have. It. Worse. Oh my God. The news is ridden with stories that make me tear up. The lack of rights girls have in other countries/cultures. Girls forced into marriage to men (at least) twice their age. The 14 year old Bangladeshi girl who was whipped to death for being raped. The effed up situations that exist in our own country. The 11 year old girl in Texas who was gang raped by like 18 guys (the number could be wrong, but it was a large number) ranging in age from 14-27 and is being BLAMED for it because she "dressed older than her age" and hit puberty early so she's taller than most 11 year olds (there was also a similar case in California). What the hell is wrong with this world? 7) My first graders love me. Just putting that out there. I love working with them and they love me being there. It's amazing, rewarding, and literally the best decision I made my entire college career. 8) I go to my favorite UC, majoring in something I love, surrounded by people who I can talk about anything with, making friends who I hope will be there for me the rest of my life, doing a kick ass sport, involved in awesome orgs like student council (WCSC/E-board<3), MAA, and just lead an amazing life here. 9) I eat like a beast and can eat like a beast. There's no food shortage stopping me from eating the way I do and there's nothing wrong with me mentally keeping me from eating the way I do. Being depression-free is a blessing most of us take for granted, but constantly being too self conscious to eat, too sad to focus, too stressed to sleep; it's amazing knowing that you can lead your life normally. 10) I'm happy. Call me a softy, sap, or whatever. I know my life is pretty good. I know things could suck a lot more than they do know and I believe I'm blessed for what I have now, 'cause honestly - life could be so much worse, but it is what it is, and it is amazing. | 
