A Circus Kid in College: Unfiltered Truths and Bold Triumphs

Hey everyone,

Let me take you on a journey through my life as a circus kid trying to navigate the world of college.

1. My childhood was quite the adventure, bouncing back and forth between Taiwan and Montreal. Growing up in an international family exposed me to diverse cultures and languages from a young age. Despite this enriching experience, I never saw myself as the traditional college-bound type. High school was tough — I faced bullying and struggled academically, eventually dropping out at 16 during the chaos of Covid. However, I refused to let setbacks define me. I secretly enrolled in community college, earning my diploma and AA by the age of 18. It was a turning point in my life, proving that resilience and determination can overcome any obstacle.

2. Fast forward to today, and here I am at 20, celebrating another year of growth and learning. Graduating with my bachelor’s degree is just around the corner, and the prospect of pursuing a master’s degree is both daunting and exciting. It’s incredible how life can surprise us when we least expect it. I’ve come to realize that our dreams and aspirations evolve over time, and that’s perfectly okay.

3. Let’s talk about some of the milestones I’ve achieved along the way. Despite not fitting the mold of a traditional honors student, I had the privilege of participating in the Millennium Fellowship. Out of 50,000 applicants worldwide, only 4,000 were selected — an accomplishment I’m incredibly proud of. While my project, Korembi, didn’t receive the enthusiastic response I had hoped for, the experience taught me the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

4. Then there’s my startup, Korembi. Making it to the top 100 in a CEO competition and securing angel investment funding has been a journey filled with ups and downs. Despite the challenges, I’m committed to pushing forward and realizing my vision for the Language Learning Model. It’s a reminder that success often comes with its fair share of setbacks, but it’s the journey that matters most.

5. Beyond academics and entrepreneurship, I’m passionate about giving back to my community. That’s why I’m in the process of launching Bridges Beyond Shelter, a non-profit aimed at supporting the homeless population in Southwest Florida. Even the smallest acts of kindness can make a world of difference, and I’m excited to see how this initiative unfolds.

6. Starting my own business consultancy, Serlia Creative, was a leap of faith — one that has tested my limits and pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s a humbling reminder that growth often occurs outside of our comfort zones, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this experience.

7. Pursuing my private pilot’s license has been a lifelong dream of mine. While progress has been slow and steady, each step brings me closer to achieving my goal. It’s a testament to the importance of persistence and determination in the pursuit of our dreams.

8. As if that wasn’t enough, I’m also gearing up to launch a car washing business with a charitable twist, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer. It’s a passion project close to my heart, and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition.

9. Fostering animals has also been a rewarding experience, providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose. It’s a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

10. After years of procrastination, I’m finally taking the plunge and launching my podcast, “Re-formed Society.” It’s a platform for candid discussions on topics ranging from politics to conspiracies, and I’m excited to share my thoughts and ideas with the world.

11. Writing poetry has always been a form of self-expression for me. Despite my initial doubts, I’ve published two books and am currently working on a third. It’s a reminder that self-doubt should never hold us back from pursuing our passions and dreams.

12. Alongside personal and professional growth, I’m also on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. It’s a process filled with ups and downs, but I’m learning to embrace the journey and celebrate the small victories along the way.

13. Finally, I’m thrilled to be hosting Impact x FGCU — an event aimed at promoting sustainability, philanthropy, and innovation. It’s an opportunity to bring together like-minded individuals and organizations to make a positive impact on our community.

So, there you have it — my humble journey through college and beyond. It’s been a whirlwind of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s to embracing life’s challenges and opportunities with humility and grace.

Catch you on the flip side!