2008-2012: The Start of College-Pleasing
2011-2012 - The Start of College Pleasing
In high school, as an introvert who preferred one-on-one connections, I felt compelled to become a bubbly Key Club leader to "look good" on college applications. This facade was draining and impersonal, leaving me unfulfilled. Despite having the grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, I wasn’t accepted to my top choice school because I wasn't being myself. Instead, I attended UCLA, carrying forward this inauthenticity.
2012 - 2023: People-Pleasing in College & Beyond
2012-2023: People-Pleasing in College & Beyond
At UCLA, chosen for its prestige rather than personal fit, I felt isolated on its vast campus. Struggling academically in silence, I landed on academic probation. My people-pleasing continued as I tried to emulate my peers' career paths, leaving me lost and unsatisfied. After switching from engineering to political science, I graduated but felt the same inauthenticity. I then pursued a higher education career at UC Berkeley, valued by my parents for its stability, yet the administrative roles lacked meaningful student interactions.
2017-2021: The Breaking Point
2017-2021: The Breaking Point
Years of seeking external validation, like choosing a major or job to please others, led to depression and low self-esteem. Pretending to be fine was exhausting, and I eventually burnt out. I quit my job at UC Berkeley to focus on my well-being and discover what truly energized me. This period of reflection marked a pivotal point in my journey towards self-acceptance and authenticity.
2023: Finding My True Self
2023: Finding My True Self
During a gap year in New York City, far from my California roots, I had the space to rethink my identity and values. While mentoring foster kids in high school brought me joy, I realized I had also mentored peers in college and adulthood but never pursued it as a career because I didn't believe in myself. Focusing on my strengths helped me embrace self-acceptance and recognize that my true passion lay in compassionate, empathetic, and genuine mentoring. I finally prioritized my authentic self by doing what I love — mentoring youth who, like me, sought acceptance for who they truly were.
2023: Your Epic Consulting Today
2023: Your Epic Consulting Today
I founded Your Epic Consulting to guide students away from "college pleasing" so they don't walk the challenging path that I did. We help students identify, practice, and communicate their values authentically, aiming for both college and self-acceptance. This approach fosters holistic success, allowing students to thrive in any academic environment while living in alignment with their personal values.
P.S. Shortly after founding this firm, I graduated with a Master of Education in Higher Education Enrollment!