Tuning In On My Adventure

Linda was the girl whose voice was quiet, but her mind was full of music and dreams. She wasn't always great at sharing what she thought, but as she grew up, she got better at it.

Linda's story started in Manhattan, New York, where she was born, but as a baby, her parents were caught up in the whirlwind of work, and sent her to stay with relatives in China. There, she spent her early years until she was 5. Returning to America, she didn't know any English, which made things tough at first. She hopped from one school to another, each move a new beginning, until fifth grade when she found a place at FACTS (Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School). This place wasn't just a school; it was a vibrant community where compassionate teachers nurtured her growth. The school introduced her to awesome activities like playing the Dan Tranh, lion dancing, making music with the recorder, learning about folk arts, cultures, and sharing different stories. The Dan Tranh resonated deeply, a gift from a mentor named Teacher Nhan, who shared not only the music but also the stories and inspirations that made each pluck weave the rich cultural heritage and individual insights.

In high school, Linda's path was dotted with invitations to new adventures. When a friend suggested the violin, her response was an eager "Yeah, sure, why not?" With a similar shrug and a spark of curiosity, she joined the chess club, thinking, "There's nothing to lose, just give it a try—you never know." Alongside this, she liked to play around the piano, especially during lunch breaks. She found out that by just pressing the white keys (C major scale :D) she could make pretty cool tunes, even though she didn't know about music theory or scales. It was just fun to see what sounds she could make. Those blossomed into hobbies that enriched her world, weaving challenges, enjoyment, and discovery of herself and life.

Then came the time to pick electives. The challenge of the computing class, was when someone said, "Don’t take that, girls can’t do it. It's too hard for you." But Linda, with a smile, took the class anyway. "Why can't I?" she declared. Computers, like pianos, had keys that could compose endless possibilities and solve puzzles to make the world better. She spent extra time during lunch and after school with Mr. Wiessmann to learn and explore more about the world of computer science. With Mr. Wiessmann’s encouragement, she excelled in that class and later majored in software engineering, and graduated with many possibilities ahead.

On a summer day during high school, Linda was hit by a wave of nostalgia. An earworm from her childhood in China—the catchy tune of "Tonghua" by Guang Liang—kept playing in her head, bringing back memories of barbecues (shāo kǎo) and Chinese opera. It was this familiar tune that led her to discover a fingerstyle guitar version on YouTube. Yet, it was the sight of Sungha Jung's mesmerizing rendition on a guitar, playing "Wings~You are the Hero," by Kotaro Oshio that captivated her. She realized that with a guitar, she could be a one-person band/orchestra, make music that moved souls, and unlock a new world of possibilities.

Linda's story is like a big adventure, showing that it's totally fine to try things. "Go ahead and give things a shot, If you mess up, it’s ok; it's just part of the game of life. It's like a video game where you get better every time you play." And remember, cool things like learning a song or nailing a tricky math problem :) can't be rushed, they take time, experience, and patience, just like leveling up in games. Believing in yourself, giving yourself a high-five for being you and trying your best, and knowing you're cool just the way you are—that's the real secret.

She learned that being different and reserved is cool and no problem at all. "Shout out for being you," Linda encourages with a smile, "because what makes you different is what makes you amazing and special." And even if you're not the loudest in the room, you've got your own special way of sharing your thoughts and ideas. "Just be yourself," she says, "because everyone has something special inside them, like a hidden superpower. And that's what makes the world an exciting place."

So, keep crafting your story with confidence. You define yourself; don't let other people's judgments sway you. Take your time, and enjoy figuring things out. Find you and do you because no one else can/will do it for you. Be proud of your individuality, because being different is perfectly fine. Be you, do you, learn, and grow. Your unique presence is what makes life so vibrant and beautiful. Your best is wonderful, and your effort shines brighter than the stars. Every step you take is like a star lighting up your path, showing you the way forward. Wish you all the best! You got this! ✨

Teacher Linda

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Tuning In On My Adventure