This section is a tribute to
the people who have had a positive impact on my life. Without them I
would not be who, and where, I am today.
The following is in no specific order.
I have been very lucky to have had very many people play a positive
role in my life, and these are the most significant.
Melissa Rutz
With Melissa I share a chemistry and a joy in dance that, we have been
told, radiates in our dancing. Our talents and skills are unique but
complimentary. Melissa and I come from such different backgrounds. Melissa
has had training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Lindy Hop and Theater
Arts. Mine is in Music. But our passion for dance and a determination
to help each other achieve our goals and dreams has made for a successful
and happy partnership.
H.T. Payne
Mr. Payne was my high school music director. When I enrolled at Northgate
High, he called me "a hotshot violinist." He recognized my
performing and orchestral experience, and the talents and skills I had
picked up from my instructors who were among the Bay Area's best musicians.
He was both a teacher and a friend. He named me the Concertmaster of
the Northgate High School Orchestra and charged me with teaching my
peers the finer points of orchestral performance. Tragically, Mr. Payne
passed away during my stay at Northgate. Remembering his advice, I took
it upon myself to assist the new orchestra teachers in leading the orchestra.
He not only gave my self-confidence a boost, he also empowered me. It
is a gift I shall always treasure.
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith was a dance teacher at Northgate. Up until high school,
playing the violin was my only true passion. Dancing Hip Hop was a hobby.
For fun, I joined her Dance Production class at Northgate, reasoning
that it was preferable to doing gym at 7 a.m. in cold weather. Ms. Smith
encouraged my interest and, more importantly, helped discover the dancer
in me. She encouraged me to choreograph full routines and teach some
of the other dancers for an end-of-the-year dance production show. The
show was a hit. I had discovered I enjoyed choreography, teaching, and
dancing before an audience. And dancing became an integral part of my
life.
Li Lin
Li Lin was one of my last violin instructors. Because he was closer
to me in age than my previous instructors, he understood how better
to motivate me and address my youthful issues. Li Lin taught me so many
things about music in a few weeks that other instructors couldn't teach
me in years. Li Lin's patience and diligence were amazing. He found
new and clever ways to show me the proper way of playing the violin
and interpreting music. Now as a teacher of dance and music myself,
I have adopted and adapted some of his methods. Imitation is the sincerest
compliment.
Kate Nauer
Kate Nauer was my friend and spiritual and life mentor. Moving from
teenage to adulthood is a difficult transition. And religion helps one
transcend the unrest of adolescence to the stability of maturity. Kate
was the teacher who helped me prepare for Confirmation, which is often
described as "finding one's self." She was a listener, taking
time to understand each individual and address their unique issues.
She was a role model who taught me how to find inner peace. She taught
me how to appreciate life's many gifts.
My family
I'm the youngest of three and the only boy in our family. My sisters,
Camille and Liezl, though only eleven and ten when I was born, were
my first babysitters and playmates. While my parents balanced their
work schedules to care for me, my sisters happily stepped in whenever
my parents were at work. My sisters would rush home from school to balance
homework with caring for me. My memories of my childhood are very happy,
thanks to the love and sacrifice of my sisters. Like all siblings, we
have our disagreements, but our bonds of love and sharing are indestructible.
Throughout our lives, they have always been, and will always be, there
for me -- and I for them.
Still waters run deep. My Dad, Armand,
is a model of faith and serenity. His faith in God and in our ability
to surmount all difficulties, his serenity during times of turmoil,
and his capacity for self-sacrifice continue to inspire all of us. A
man of few words, we have never, ever, heard him complain about having
to work multiple jobs to support his young family; nor has he ever taken
credit for his hard work. A modest man of simple tastes, he likes to
downplay his accomplishments, not only as a father, but also as a successful
professional. This serious side is balanced by a goofy sense of humor
and lots of laughter. His love of practical jokes, golf, and bowling
is only exceeded by his love of our family.
My mother, Rhona, is the most intelligent,
articulate, headstrong, and courageous person I know. She is an excellent
teacher and writer, first and foremost, and is my best teacher. I take
after her more than any other person I know. It is she who first taught
me to sing, dance, read and write. It is she who instilled in us a love
for the arts, literature, math, and history. It is she who has taught
us the meaning of "Hindi ka makakarating sa paroroonan, hung hindi
ka lumingon sa pinanggalingan." This means you can't get to your
destination without learning lessons from the journey and the past.
It is she who has taught me to be proud of my heritage. It is she who
has taught me lessons of honesty, truthfulness, courtesy, and concern
for others. It is she who has had an unshakeable faith in my abilities
and talents. It is she who has taught my sisters and me to follow our
dreams and to be better than we thought we could ever be. In her personal
and professional life, she personifies her belief that "the good
can always be better, and the better can always be the best."
My family is very proud of me and supports
me in everything I do. Thank you and I love you.
My determination to do my best arises
from knowing that my success makes my parents very proud and happy.
They are always a quiet (sometimes noisy) presence in my performances
and competitions. They support my every endeavor. They love me unconditionally.
I am truly blessed. I thank God for all my blessings!
