My Story

This is the scholarship version of my story. I’ll create a regular one someday.
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I believe in venturing and walking unpaved terrains - that is the only way an industry and oneself can evolve. Although I am still developing who I am and what exactly I want to do, and that day where I am a “pioneer” may still be far far away - my heart is set on doing something different, something that will innovate the exhibition industry. I’m not sure what that “something” is yet, but I am well-rounding myself with the education, tools, and experience that I will need when the time is right. This is how I am preparing myself:

“Be good at what you do”

In grade school, I excelled in mathematics, physics, computer science, and graphic design. I had perfect scores in Advance Placement Calculus, Physics (the highest levels), and Computer Science (the highest level)… and near-perfect scores in other subjects. I was among the best, if not the best himself, in each of those areas in contrast to my peers. I was praised by all my teachers and adored by my friends and I had many exit paths to choose from after graduating high school. On each of those exit paths stood others who have also chosen that path – others who were far ahead of me in the race to become the best. I had to look again at where I stood among my peers and among everyone else out there in the world. And at the end of those paths, I saw my idols. My idols were pioneers in their fields, my idols walked unpaved terrains, my idols did things that other people did not think of, and my idols were eccentric. My idols were really good at what they did. I was good at many things, but never really good at one particular thing. I would disappoint my motto, and that’s just not cool.

During junior year of high school, I had to decide what I was really good at and what I would want to do for the next 50-some years. I realized that I would be following paths that others have already created if I pursued only one of my fortes. I did not want to be the next Euclid, Aristotle, or Kevin Rose – I wanted to be the me, not like someone, I wanted my own story to tell. I had to do something that no one else has done before.
I analyzed all my experiences and found that I was good at leading people, coming up with new ideas, and running meetings. And so came my inspiration for exhibition management. I would have a different background then other who are in exhibition management, I would see things differently then my new peers, I would be eccentric. I researched the best schools to study exhibition management and had my eye set for UNLV. Although UNLV was nothing near my envisioned university and a huge let-down for my parents, it was the best environment to pursue new passion. No other city in the world holds exhibitions like Las Vegas nor do they create an “excitement thrill” by the simple mentioning of its name.

Since starting college last year, I have strived to once again become that person that’s praised by teachers and adored by friends, as I was during high school. At school, I became active in many organizations, and received many sponsorships to represent the university. During my freshman year, I attended: the IHM&RS by AH&LA, the Sales Leadership Expo by AMA, the NSMH National Conference by NSMH, the Global Gaming Expo, and Expo! Expo! by IAEM (IAEE). In addition, I became the Vice-Chairman, and will become Chairman in December 2007, of UNLV’s student chapter of IAEE. During my term, club membership has grown over 400% from about 21 to now 91 (with more expecting!). I am currently pursing a triple major in Hotel Administration (Meetings & Events Management, Lodging Management, and Hospitality Management), and my fourth fluent language with a Japanese minor.

In addition, I realize that both textbook and real world experience are equally essential in my journey. I started my very first paid job at a Five Star timeshare resort beginning freshman year and have worked full time for just over one year. At Soleil Management, I am known throughout the 14 Five Star resorts worldwide with the monthly newsletters that I create. I really enjoy creating the newsletters, it allows me to review my Hotel Administration education and practice my artistic side gained from being the Editor my high school’s yearbook program. I volunteer for the extra duty and receive an audience eager to enjoy my works as my compensation. Also, the departmental directors understand my dedication to the industry and have become my mentors (although I give them more feedback about what they’re doing). Today, I no longer go to work after school and on the weekends. Today, I experiment with what I learned at school in my real life sandbox. I have redesigned and introduced many products and procedures at Soleil Management; major projects that I have created and worked on include courtesy shuttle service, comment cards, VOIP telephone, television channel listings, and a recycling program. Lastly, in mid-October, I will be at the “other side” of the table, interviewing and recruiting talent from my classmates at UNLV’s annual Hospitality Marketplace, which hosted over 189 recruiters in 2006.

I do not need incentives to continue what I am doing; it is my passion in making a difference that drives me. However, a scholarship will provide financial support for the extra-curricular activities that I participate in, mainly membership to professional organizations and educational conferences.