It’s hard to believe how much has changed in the 15 years since I first set foot in Taiwan. When I first arrived back in 2010, I was focused on one thing: using my paycheck as a means to an end—travel & experience the world. But life, and Formosa, had other plans for me. I fell in love with more than just the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. I fell in love with the people, the country and a girl - all of whom would play a significant role in re-shaping the next couple of decades of my life.
The next step in my journey was unexpected—pursuing my master’s degree. What started as a detour turned into a significant transformation. The decision to continue my education wasn’t just about furthering my career; it was about deepening my understanding of the world and my place within it. The number one impact the pursuit of a master's degree had on my life fell way outside of the classroom-it was the relationships I built during this time & the network I developed that would (later) change the course of my life.
One of the most profound shifts during my time in Taiwan has been my change in perspective—from the very American, very individual-minded mindset I had when I first arrived to the more community & family oriented mindset that has become a part of my core. Taiwanese culture emphasizes family, connection, and working together for the collective good. This influence has shaped how I approach both relationships and business, teaching me that success and happiness don’t just come from personal achievement, but from fostering bonds and supporting others.
After graduation, I returned home to the States and spent a few years in Denver, Colorado. But just as I settled into life there, I knew something was still missing. Eventually, I made my way to Wellington, New Zealand, in search of a something bigger. More profound. This was the right about the time when COVID hit (I arrived in late September 2019)—when the world as I knew it, as we all knew it, shifted dramatically. It was one of the darkest chapters of my life, but also one that forced me to reevaluate everything. Greater things lay ahead.
Taiwan had always been a place that offered me peace and inspiration, and this time, it became the place that would fuel my drive to become an entrepreneur. I escaped New Zealand for refuge in my beloved Formosa and found my desire to help others—and particularly to help the next generation—had become my guiding light. It was the relationships from my days as a master's student that led to my opportunity to take on the role of business partner in an educational institution. I now find myself dedicated to empowering children, not just to learn, but to love learning. I've no idea what the future holds for me or my business, but I've finally found my purpose.
The past 15 years have been a wild ride of transformation. Taiwan taught me that relationships and education aren’t just cornerstones of a fulfilling life—they are the foundations of who I am. Looking back, I realize that every move, every challenge, every new beginning has led me to where I am now. Funny how life works out that way. And while the journey is far from over, I couldn’t be more excited to see where it will take me next.
