Creating The Happy: The Process, Part I

Hey everyone! It’s time for me to introduce my new three-part photo series called ‘The Process.’ In this series, you will get to know three beautiful human beings that have also, like you and I, driven down the road to loving themselves. As I interviewed these people about their process, I also managed to take some photographs of them. Without further discussion, here is the first person!

Nelson Poon (DOB: May 23, 1999)
I’ve known Nelson since my sophomore year of high school, and since then we’ve been great friends. We share similar interests and opinions, and we’ve both been through quite a lot together. Nelson’s also been through the process of accepting himself, which is why I think that introducing him to you guys is a good start to this series.

Let’s start this off simple. Can you tell us all about the amazingly wonderful person  you are today?

“All my friends know me as this weird, corgi-obsessed freak, but I feel that I am also a pretty curious and adventurous person. I take weekly art classes, which I’ve been doing for nine years. I enjoy going to SF and feeling all hipster. I love traveling to different states and countries to experience and learn about the different cultures this world has to offer. I feel that I have truly exposed myself to a myriad of ideas and traditionally trying new things.”

Coming to terms with yourself and who you are is quite difficult, especially for people our age. What do you think helped you through your process?

“Growing up, I would feel that I was somehow the outsider of any group, even if they were comprised of my closest friends. I believe that this had to do with the fact that I couldn’t come to terms with the idea that, in a sense, I wouldn’t be as “cool” as the others. I was always that one weird, nerdy kid that would try to fit in, and it became disheartening when I realized that I simply was not going to be that cool, amazing kid. However, over time, I realized that it didn’t matter if I belonged with the cool kids as long as I was true to myself. With the help, guidance, and love from my peers, family and eventually myself, I finally comprehended what made me, me.”

Throughout the years I’ve know you, you have always been the weird, funny, yet extremely intelligent person you are, and that’s what I love about you. Embracing these little aspects about yourself is what’s really important, and I’m so glad that you have. Is there anything you can say to anyone else who is going through this process in their life?

“Aww. All I have to say is that I understand the troubles and sadness that people go through in life, but the most important thing to realize is that you are not alone. There are so many people in your life that are willing to accept every single aspect of who you are, and you should not have to try to make people realize that greatness that encompasses you. You be you, and do not let anyone force you to change into someone you do not recognize. All that is important is that you accept every weird and quirky part that makes you who you are.”