If My Life Was a Map Video (MV)

I grew up on an island called Taiwan
I lived in the city but the oceans and mountains weren't too far
As a little girl, I often traveled the world
Became bilingual and fell in love with the arts
Started dancing and writing songs
My family has always supported me
Sent me to a high school that prepared me to study abroad
That's where I first felt like I belonged
Where we all dreamed of where we could be
I carry my home within my heart
And the people who loved me from the start
No matter where I go I know
I'll do what I love and be true to myself
So If my life was a map
I'd first draw my home
But after having lived in the states at 12
I knew I'd come back here someday
I won't shy away from change
Maybe I'll make a few mistakes on the way
But that's okay
I'll always try to make the world a better place
When I moved to Illinois for college
I was homesick for a while but I wanted
To make the most out of the 4 years that I got
So I forced myself to get out of my comfort zone
Joined a multicultural sorority, SYZ
My friends and I started a dance crew, INC
And since freshman year
I actively posted on youtube every week
I'd vlog randomly, sing covers of songs
Or share songs I wrote about my life
Cause I've always been passionate about that
Spreading love and making a difference
Being a light in this world
So if my life was a map
I'd first draw my home
Then I would draw my time at UIUC
A place that shaped a huge part of me
Offline, I was active on campus
Online, I was active on social media
Tryna make the world a better place
One day, someday - let's back up
But during those years
I did long distance with a boy
Who introduced me to Seattle
And I loved the city
So even after we ended
After I graduated
I still moved here hoping to stay
Wanting to find my place
That's when I found a job at a non-profit
It was perfect for me and I loved it
Serving the asian community here
One I could relate to
I'm so grateful for my mentor and my family and friends
Who were there for me at my worst
And cheered for me when I made it through
So now I tell my story 'bout how I found myself
Found so much strength in opening up
If my life was a map
I'd first draw my home
That's where I first fell in love
But then I fell hard when my heart broke
But that's in the past
Thank God I was still at UIUC
Surrounded by people who cared for me
Then I moved to Seattle and finally
I feel I'm where I'm meant to be
I've grown so much within the past two years
Thanks to the people I've met along the way
Who knew I'd still be here today
I'm glad UW gave me the chance to stay
Here at CommLead I'm still learning
How I can be better at storytelling
If I had to draw where I was going
It could be anywhere as long as I'm doing something
To make world be a better place
Even if it's far away
No matter where I go
I'll make that place my home
If my life was a map
I'd draw rainbows across the globe
From Taiwan to the States
Champaign to Seattle
I wanna fly around the world
From arts to advertising
Communication & storytelling
There's so much I wanna do
For the world