During my break, I had this lofty thought that I was going to catch up on all this leisure reading that I’ve been putting off during the semester (I’ve only read 1.5 books during the three weeks so far). Instead, I’ve been successfully binge-watching movies/shows non-stop.

My current obsession: Netflix’s Terrace House (suggested by BuzzFeed).

It’s the Japanese version of Real World, where six housemates rotate in and out throughout the season.  There are also commentators who they cut to throughout the episode, who will dissect (sometimes hilariously, other times annoyingly) all the interactions and characters.  This reality show is completely different from what I’m used to seeing in over-the-top, caricature-like characters from American reality shows.  The housemates are extremely polite, talk extensively about their goals/aspirations, and resolve conflicts in a relatively “adult” manner.  It’s nuanced to the point where things seem to move pretty slowly and might even be considered boring/lackluster to the average American viewer.  No crazy cat-fights or scandalous hook-ups.  But their relationships and interactions seem more meaningful and not surprisingly, the conflicts that they encounter are much more similar and relatable to what I experience with my friends.

The most recent episode, the female housemates were talking about the frustrations of interviewing and having to “sell themselves,” something I’ve been struggling with as I’ve been having to send out applications and cover letters for summer internships.

Having worked in the same company for four years, the last time I had to apply for a job was probably five years ago.  I forgot what it feels like to interview and conduct your elevator pitch, which is a bit worrisome for me considering that’s what I’ll be doing the next few months. I don’t know if its the Asian female thing, but I can totally relate to the Terrace house ladies. We’re taught and conditioned to be humble and modest, but if there’s anything that working and going to school in NYC taught me is that you have to be overly confident, almost brazenly so, in order to “make it.”   Even my brother unexpectedly lectured me (or I guess gave me a pep talk) on the phone that I need to be more confident.  He said you’re just as smart and gifted as any of your classmates, so you should start acting like it.

Reminds me of a shirt that one of my classmates shared:

Please Lord, give me the courage.