2024 was probably the toughest year of my life. Between starting college, finding myself, working a lot, and watching friendships come and go, it was a roller coaster ride. But nothing hit harder than the bullet of hearing what happened to my dad from my little brother.
I wanted to buy this boba shop because it has been special to me since I was little. Working at our family’s Mexican restaurant, the boba shop was on the same block, I’d visit the jie jies running it and always get free boba. I loved how pretty and pink their shop was and the elegant way they made drinks from their intricate recipe book and secretly wished we made boba instead of fast food.
When difficult times hit this year, I prayed for clear path forward. And then this month, I heard that this boba shop was for sale at a very good price, especially compared to other NYC locations and rent. Given the price, the location, and my childhood love for this shop, I knew I had to get it. I convinced my mom and brother that together, we could make this work – not just as an investment but to teach me and my brother business skills and be a new source of income. I asked God to show us if this was right by letting everything work out.
Today, by Christmas, it did. To me, it’s a sign of better things ahead in 2025. I want next year to be about standing taller, embracing my background, reaching out to my Stanford and Poly friends, and being more present.
Thank you to everyone who supported me this year, even without knowing the full story:
@tuongster for listening and praying for me,
@ttenzinttara for high standards,
@yuddered for always driving me to get good food,
@jenny.huynh._ for late-night wisdom,
@pearychot for inspiration,
@petch_ppo @neva_hidajat @vivian_zhouu for cooking for me,
@teresazhanggg @ashleyhung_ for good food,
@emilyhanyf for keeping the middle door open when I had nightmares,
@joshuaykoo I will help find you gf,
@rbccawang let’s do more, and
@_kolelee and
@jayyu2310 ge!
I’m grateful for all of you even the ones I could not mention and wish you the merriest holidays. Please let me be better to you guys in 2025!
Follow along as I continue “growing in public.”
#fyp #stanford
