Episode 66: Thank You Dream Team

Below is a copy of an email I sent after the first part of Addressing Anti-Asian Hate: Storytelling was over. This is belated but it captures the daydream I lived. The high of it all after weeks of working so damn hard with incredible, incredible people. To have such an incredible team of people trust me to lead us through months of planning, calling, and event-creation -- I can't be more grateful for the lessons each person taught me. I'll never forget. <3

A daydream that's ended, at least for now.

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4/2/21

"Good evening Dream Team!!

I really felt like I was a member of the Avengers, working with you all for the past few weeks, to realize such an exceptional event. Everyone with their own talents, their own touch, ideas, perspectives, and skills coming together so EPICALLY. EPICALLLYYYY!!!

God, did we ever imagine that we'd be managing a 97-person Zoom call? Wow. Just. Astounding. Just 2 days of advertising. Two. Days. And despite the pressure of managing such a large call, we rose to the challenge and did our absolute best.

We did incredible. And there is more incredible to come out of this. 

Next, I would like to thank, in no particular order (semi-alphabetically?):

Anh: for supporting this idea from the start and adding depth, questions, and critiques and organizing to our jumbo of ideas, a steadfast rock of support and wisdom

Allison: for being on board and expressing excitement, connecting us with the right people and helping this event grow in ways I never imagined

Esther: for bringing joy, positivity, and incredible perspectives and questions to our planning calls and that uplifting energy from start to finish

Sonia: for honest questions, documenting, energy, and unrivaled, steady tech support throughout the ENTIRE zoom call, music and all, new ideas always

Vatsala: for raising crucial questions, details, and bringing her past experiences in organizing depth and broadness to the event, and always a brilliant idea

Cindy: for despite joining us last minute, expressed absolute enthusiasm and support throughout our detailed call and today

Professor Cheung: for supporting this event from the start, when it had no shape, just vagueness, and who called to action that more of us must learn about Asian American history in schools

Sarah: for being a wealth of wise words, support, helping facilitators understand the value of silences and value unsurety and newness as part of the ongoing practice of activism

Whitley: for your emotional and intellectual support, your call for the audience to own our stories and a sincere reminder to serve oneself as well as we serve our communities

This is conventionally considered unprofessional, but I gotta say it;  I seriously. Love. You. All. 

I could never thank you all enough. And I know I know, I'm pretty freaking awesome too. Haha, anyways, I truly can't wait to see where we'll go next together. ^-^

Beyond my thank yous, this was also an opportunity to forward Sarah's awesome words that she has to share with us all. They are right below. :)

Be on the lookout for future emails as we start planning Part 2. For now, take the week off. Rest lots. We'll see each other soon!"