Back in School (sorta) at Taylor University's Mass Colympics

With my face mostly back in place, it was time to meet the masses once again.  This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Taylor University's Mass Colympics in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia.  The event was organized by their School of Communications, and I had a great time meeting with the students and lecturers.

Quite honestly, it's been a while since I was back in college walking the streets of Berkeley, but the entire experience still remains one of the most memorable and influential periods of my life.  Everything I did learn inside the classroom and experienced outside during that period has been pivotal in shaping and molding me into the person I am today, and I truly wish that anyone who has this opportunity to also take advantage of it.  Actually, my aspirations at the time didn't really include going to college.  In fact, my childhood dream was to be the first ever Asian rider to compete in the Tour De France.  As a teenager, I was really into bicycle racing, and I think I was pretty good too, especially when it came to the specific disciplines of mountain climbing and individual time trials.  In the end though, I figured a college education couldn't hurt and sent in my acceptance letter to Cal Berkeley, and it was the best thing I could've done.

Now, you're probably wondering how I even could compete on a bicycle with my frame?  Well, I actually went into college weighing about 150 pounds (68 kg).  After picking up the weights and training for the crew (rowing) and rugby team, I bulked up and graduated university four years later at over 185 pounds (83 kg).  Crazy, huh?  And I'd like to think most of it was muscle too!  Now it's time to stop reminiscing about my college days and fast forward to this past weekend.   I really enjoy being around the young minds of tomorrow, and I am always inspired to see how there is truly no limit to what we are all capable of accomplishing if we are equipped with the right tools and resources.

Attending Mass Colympics and seeing so many young people was an amazing experience...

After I was done welcoming everyone, it was time to get down to business by kicking off  Taylor''s own version of The Amazing Race Asia...

The participants all seemed really excited to be competing with each other, and they couldn't wait for me to stop talking... After I flagged off the race, I had the opportunity to meet and greet the other students and friends who were going to participate in other activities including paintball, football, tele-matches, and rock climbing....

I always enjoy going to Malaysia because the people are always so friendly and passionate about TARA...

Just before I was about to leave, I was invited to give the rock climbing wall a try...

I've usually fare pretty well on these walls, but as I started to make my ascent...

...I quickly realized that I was not going to be going very much higher...

It was a sweltering day that afternoon, and I just literally couldn't get it up...

I would like to attribute my less-than-par performance to poor grip from sweaty hands, but I think the truth is that I probably need to cut back on the Carl Jr burgers!