CelebrAsian 2004

CelebrAsian 2004 was a phenomenal experience which would be in my memories throughout my life. From the day I heard I had received the scholarship I was anxious and excited at the same time about the whole event. Each day seemed longer than usual and May 7^th seemed years away.
 

The day finally came when I boarded the plane to fly to Irvine with a stomach full of butterflies. Throughout the flight I was inquisitive about how the experience would be and what kind of people would be there. Well needless to say as I got closer and closer I was getting more and more nervous about the whole situation. But as I stepped foot on the airport all the anxieties disappeared and I was ready to experience the CelebrAsian.
 

The drive from the airport seemed long but it was rewarding experience since I was able to chat with some of the other scholarship recipients and find out about their lives and the differences that are evident in our lifestyles since we all came from different regions of the country. Arriving at the hotel left me in awe nestled between the hills of this small city was the hotel which had great view from all the sides. The rooms were fabulous and the service was impeccable.
 

The night of arrival which was May 6^th we were invited to attend the Volvo for life reception. In the reception we met the rest of the scholarship recipients met people who were on the scholarship committee and the ambassador to the UN. The food was great networking with people in such high positions was truly priceless. Later on the other scholarship recipients came and joined us for dinner. We were treated like kings and queens with all of our wishes fulfilled and people getting our autographs added to the excitement and made me feel very important.
 

Next day we were invited to a breakfast sponsored by American Express which talked about assets and e-commerce. Then came the best part of the trip when we into the fair where big engineering firms and companies were present to talk to us and tell about them and enlighten us with information regarding our careers. I mean the experience was truly ineffable.
 

Finally the time for the scholarship recipients came; this was strictly dedicated to us. The whole dinner was filmed and we were the center of attention along with the Honorees. We were seated on the stage and were recognized for our achievements in front of the audience. Meeting some of the Honorees was truly exceptional these were the people in the real world making the difference in our lives and doing what we will do someday in the near future. Meeting these great people was inspirational and it’s them who inspire us to succeed and act as role models.
 

I would like to thank the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Asian American Telamon Scholarship fund. With your support and encouragement, I will be able to pursue my dreams and achieve my academic goals. This CelebrAsian 2004 event has been a striking example of success, celebrating opportunities that America offers to each and everyone who strives for them. It is this opportunity, and this success, that I hope to strive for.
 

In this fall, I will be pursuing a Doctorate in Pharmacy, pursuing a career which I feel is a great balance between community service and a passion for learning. For my accomplishments, and my ambitions, I am thankful to my roots, our great nation, and opportunities such as the Telamon Scholarship.