About Us

Admittedly, I used to think that the life was limited, but I realize that each
individual has his or her choices. Not only have my work experiences,
activities, and a Bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies from California State
University given me an excellent education and many opportunities, I
believe that I have also made some significant contributions. The
contributions I have made in the past has lead to my current interests in
learning and understanding the economic justice, cultural diversity, and the
empowerment of individuals, families, and groups from the local level to the
national level.

As I've said, "Being a fourth generation of Deaf family;" it is naturally that
I value Deaf Culture and American Sign Language (ASL). Actually, when I
was a young boy, I was "selfish" because I refused to accept hearing people
who had no skill or knowledge in ASL, Deaf Culture, or Deaf value until
much later. It is always strange when someone asks me, "How did you
'become' Deaf?" I never became Deaf. I don't understand and will never
understand these words: Impairment, Disability, and Handicap because
none of these words are related to my 'deafness.'

Throughout my teenage years, I was unaware that I was carrying the
precious language of ASL and potential of being successful in my personal
life until I was asked to be a host for an ASL Storytelling Contest. A
teenage Deaf boy from a hearing family asked me, "Where did you learn
ASL?" His question made me realize scores of Deaf children come from
hearing family, and are desperate to use the true language of ASL, and
learn the true culture and values of Deaf people.

Since then, I started to be motivated to use new thoughts and expansive
thinking. I love being involved in organizations and activities. In these
endeavors, I encourage others to use these tools when working or will be
working with Deaf people through employments, families, schools and
government agencies.

Few years before I did not know that the life is unlimited, I volunteered as a
coordinator for a non-profit organization, Center for the Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing in Brookfield, WI. During my involvement in activities, I
worked as a counselor for the Homes for the Independent Living three years.
I enjoyed guiding each individual to their hopes by encouraging them to
make their own choices for careers, educations, and activities.

In the summer of 1997, I worked temporarily as a recruiter at Gateway
Technical College for "Kids' College Experiences." After I returned from
the National Theatre of the Deaf to gain my acting experiences from the
Professional Theater School, I continued to work for one summer session for
'disabled' campers at Kinder Cap, which was sponsored by United Way.

From 1997 - 2000, I attended the Milwaukee Area Technical College.
During that time, I gave a speech on the topic, "The Language: A Barrier or
A Bridge" for the Felber and Riley Speech Contest, and I was the first
runner-up. I received an honor member of the Phi Theta Kappa
International Honor Society from the Sigma Theta Chapter. Before I've
received a Bachelor degree in Deaf Studies in Special Option with Merit
Award from the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the President's
Student Service Award from President Bush, and "Flame of the Future"
Award from the Deaf Studies Department, I participated in the Lambda
Sigma Pi fraternity where I held the positions of community service
director, secretary, photographer, chairperson of 7th Formal White Rose.

At one of my peak experiences as a student when I was president of Deaf
CSUNians. One of largest charted organizations serving approximately 200
Deaf students. This was important to me as it reaffirmed my goal to share
the uniqueness of Deaf Culture and ASL. In this role, I was not the only
'one person' to implement strategies for success within the organization, but
I worked with individuals from different places to maximize opportunities
and funding for students and communities.

Aside from my academic and community, I enjoy drawing, painting,
sculpting, wood-crafting, and am currently creating a children book. I
believe everything is an art, which I enjoy the study of art as a language.
Even English is not my native language, but at least I know that it is
essential for me to understand the arts of my native language and culture.

Before studying at University of Wisconsin for my Master's in Social
Welfare, I studied some courses in Special Education. Currently, I continue
with my graduate school, work as an instructor at Gateway Technical
College for their Interpreter Technician Program.

We need to realize the differences in each culture, and even we do have
multiculturalism within the Deaf community. It does not mean that hearing
people can't work with Deaf people. All comes down to teamwork!

- Last Updated on December 2004 -