Education is freedom.

When it comes to education, there is one timeless truth: families of all races and backgrounds want the best education for their children, and are willing to make great sacrifices to obtain it.  

My family was no exception. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan, to a working-class military family. My mom worked and cared for me during the long weeks my dad was away in service. We came to the United States in the 1980s when I was in the second grade, my dad holding a map of San Francisco in his hand. 

My first exposure to English was in ESL class and Richard Scarry's illustrated books. Over the years, I did what I was supposed to do, but I lacked self-confidence. My parents drove me across town to a “better” high school in an affluent area. I never felt I belonged. 

One day in my junior year of high school, my English teacher transferred me across the hall to an AP English class. I had no idea why. Before I knew it, I was reading books that blew my mind and doing projects that stretched my ability. Thankfully, that teacher saw potential in me. He didn’t ask if I could do it. He assumed I could. 

I would not have the life I have today without my education. But my journey was not a solo endeavor. I was lucky to have parents who sacrificed and teachers who believed in me…who challenged, encouraged, and inspired me to succeed.

This school board race is not about candidates or platforms. It is about the power of ordinary people and what we can build together when we wish for other people’s kids what we wish for our own. At the core, we all want the same things.

A wise teacher once told me, children are our teachers. They hold a mirror up to us, challenging us to do better.

The need has never been greater for us to rise to that challenge together. Our kids are watching and waiting. 

Thank you for the opportunity,