Hello!
The name is Gaolee (pronounced 'GUH-OW!-LEE', if that makes any sense) and I've decided to continue my blogging endeavors here!
For those of you who don't know me well, I'm a second generation Hmong American (my parents came to the States as refugees) born and raised in Northern California, and I am a recent International Studies graduate from the University of California, Irvine.
Why the sudden blog? Well, why not? I've loved to write since I was very young, and I've had my share of blogging experiences over the years. Also, aside from the normal "writing soothes my soul" reasons, I admit there was a certain spark which reignited this desire to write.
What exactly was the spark?
Job searching.
That's right.
What do I mean by that, you ask?
Well, I've been job searching since the last spring quarter of my undergrad career. Throughout this time I've felt that I've been inching closer to knowing what exactly I want to do in the future, which simply means I'm discovering who I am. I still don't know for sure yet what kind of career path I'd like to take, but this is where I am currently on my journey in life and I am enjoying the exploration.
My friend, who is known for being blunt and honest, shared with me that it seemed I was too "picky" in my job searching based on what I had shared with her about it. Although her words were short and simple, it stuck with me, and today I decided to broaden my research.
What came to mind after a long process of thinking was a position as a U.S. Foreign Services Officer, a.k.a. an FSO or diplomat. I always ignored the idea of ever attempting to become one because of several reasons:
I thought the career was too grandiose for meager, little me.
I deemed it too difficult to try.
I felt others could be and are a better fit for the job.
All of my loved ones are here in the States.
And then I thought of several reasons why I am interested in it:
I love exploring new places and meeting new people.
I love learning about cultures and languages.
I find that what FSOs do noble, whatever the task may be.
I think it's possible.
As I began my intensive research on that career path, more pros and cons were discovered and my interest in it became stronger. I might just try it on a whim, or I might passionately pursue this career, but for now I am still just looking out for places to join here that say "me".
I realized, or perhaps finally accepted, a few other things about myself today by looking into this, and I want to improve myself more. When I look back at my past and see that my time could have been spent doing something more meaningful to me, I know I can't change what I did, but I can choose to make more decisions now that will bring me closer to my goals. Better late than never!
So with that, I've made my start by blogging. This is where I'll write since I'm no longer doing essays in school (which I am not sad about at all).
Until next time,
GV
P.S. I went for a short albeit tiring run and just finished my Peruvian dinner leftovers. Good night!
