Growing up as a young multiracial girl, I deeply admired my Korean American father. He was and still is a master of his craft, an incredible graphic designer. The oldest of five boys, my dad was born in Honolulu. My grandmother lived to be 100.5 and was a strict disciplinarian as she managed to raise 5 competitive rascal boys. My grandfather, “Joe,” was a cartoonist and I’m pretty sure my dad inherited Joe’s artistry, as well as his Hawaiian island sense of humor.
When I was born in Los Angeles, my father was pursuing his masters at Pasadena’s Art Center and connecting with great design pioneers so he could learn as much as possible. Soon, he launched his career as a designer and founded his own company in San Diego.
My dad instilled in me an insatiable curiosity to learn, encouraged me to pursue my artistic passions, and modeled what it would be like to own a successful business. But what I hold dear to my heart is the way my dad made me feel about my ideas.
After school I would head to his office, tinker on one of his Macintosh SE’s, and sooner or later he would ask me to share my honest feedback about one of his latest design projects – Hang Ten, Suzy’s Zoo, Horton Plaza – so many greats. I LOVED his projects, and especially getting to voice my first thoughts so boldly. Dad had a way of making me feel smart. When I spoke, he listened. Closely. Almost like he was studying my mind, with great admiration. He would actively engage in conversation, encourage my critical thoughts to surface, and many years later I understand what a gift this was as a woman entrepreneur.
The impact he made on me through conversation is why one of our three key tenets here at Colledge is Active Listening. By asking questions of young students and truly interacting with their ideas, we work each day to build students’ confidence and self-knowledge. By listening, we hope to empower teens to find their voices and speak their truths.
Today, we’re celebrating dads who take the time to listen closely. To have genuine curiosity about their children, especially those in high school, is the father’s day gift we celebrate. And we know that it’s not always easy. Teens will be teens: questions about the wrong things (college!?) at the wrong time (or possibly most of the time…) can result in the silent treatment. We can assure you, though, that your effort is worth it! If not now, years down the line, your child will thank you for slowing down and showing them that their thoughts matter. Happy Fathers Day!
