Tom Vo’s Taekwondo at 17071 Magnolia Street, Fountain Valley, California.

When I was younger I was always the shy, quiet kid who would rather stay inside than go out and make new friends. The idea of standing in front of my peers while sharing my thoughts terrified me. It got to the point where I would gladly take the zero on any presentation. However, at some point I realized that I couldn't continue to live in this abnormal fear of the spotlight forever.

Fortunately, I graduated and got accepted into UCI where I was asked to join TVT's rec class. Taekwondo basically saved my life. It not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to meet many new friends. I can now talk to new people without wanting to hide under a rock, and I can do things in front of people without shaking. I can't say that I'm 100% better in this aspect, but I definitely improved compared to my high school self.

My progress shows in the way I hold myself, and friends from high school also notice the difference. My only regret is that I was unable to join taekwondo when I was younger because I needed the self confidence boost to avoid such traumatizing experiences in high school. But I guess when people say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, they really do mean it.

TVT is not only a place that I train, but it is my family that I hold dear. By demonstrating each level of poomse and sparring in front of the masters and peers, I was able to build my self confidence.