You never know what you’re truly made of until you’ve taken yourself out of your comfort zone.

I think I was born with the “loving challenges” gene.  I’ve always felt most alive when I’ve had to push myself to my limits mentally and physically.  

The producers were looking for an individual who was adventurous, athletic and projected a healthy persona. After scouring through the entire region, they ended up with me.

I really didn’t feel anything at first because I had already told myself I didn’t get the job. I didn’t want to be even more disappointed later on.

Of course, once I realized the magnitude and significance of this show, I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be a part of it all.

I cherish and appreciate both eastern and western cultures. Even though I am of Chinese descent and have lived in Asia for over eight years, I grew up in the United States. 

If I don’t stay under the spotlight after the show, I would go back to medical school and become some sort of a doctor. Then again, I’m not young anymore, so I may consider doing some more work behind the camera on the production side.

I picture life as a game of lessons. We either learn from our mistakes or we end up never improving our current situation.

My mother is my role model. I have always admired my mother for being open-minded enough to be happy despite that fact that her son never followed her wishes for him to be a doctor, lawyer or something like that.

I have never really thought whether I prefer to be a famous or ordinary person. I figure that as long as the people I know, love and respect hold me in a positive light, then that’s all the fame I aspire towards.

The mind and human spirit are the most powerful tools that every one of us possesses.