FIRST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS' PICNIC
Joanna Y. Tsai, Esq.

One cannot pick a more perfect date and time for a very special event, sponsored by the Taiwanese American Foundation of San Diego (TAFSD), for Taiwanese-American young professionals in San Diego.

The preparation began more than two weeks prior to the event. I met up with Dr. Kun-Mu Chen, a board member of the TAFSD, and his lovely wife, June to cruise down the coastline in two cars and conduct site-by-site visits for three potential locations. We went to Del Mar Seagrove Park, La Jolla Cove, and finally arrived and decided on the Tecolote Shores in North Mission Bay Park for its parking convenience.

On Saturday, June 9th, an atypical sunny gorgeous San Diego afternoon, Pei-Huei Chiou (board member of TAFSD) and Ted Chiou first arrived at the picnic site to discover that the gazebo we've had in mind is occupied with no sign of vacancy. Thanks to other senior board members of the TAFSD, they brought tables and chairs to set up under the shade of a sizeable tree at adjacent site. The party kicks off promptly at 3 pm with Dr. Jack Hsiao (board member and organizers), myself (organizer), Ted Chiou (organizer), and Dr. Kun-Mu Chen (organizer), as well as Dr. Ching-Chih Chen (President of TAFSD) greeting the participants as they arrived at the park.

In less than one hour's time, we have had more than thirty (30) young professionals gathered in a circle to receive TAFSD president and board members' welcome remarks.

TAFSD President Ching-Chih Chen and Dr. Kun-Mu Chen extended hearty welcome to this new group and thanked those who put in time and energy to make this event possible. What really moved me was the tone and sincerity of their support. They revealed the budget and the willingness of the organization to fund and help organize this new group without reservation. Not having my parents in the U.S. and having participated in many non-profit organizations before, I was very impressed with TAFSD's openness. Another encouraging sign is the quality of participants. Scrolling down the sign-in sheets I have previously prepared, I see that nearly 100% of the attendees are truly young professionals: medical doctors; practicing attorneys, software programmers, teachers, engineers. Many of them hold enviable positions with Fortune 500's or own their own businesses.

The party atmosphere for this very special three-generation Taiwanese-American gathering is one of warmth and pleasantry. The elder generation contrast with the toddlers who are the third generation Taiwanese Americans. The majority of the crowd is the dynamic young professionals, who seemed to be enjoying each other's company and the delicious foods. The conversations are vibrant and full of energy and everyone seems to be having a great time.

All parties must end. If it weren't for the cool breeze that swept the park around 6pm, I suspect we would've and could have stayed till well into sunset.

I am pleased to report, at the end of the day, there were nearly 40 young professionals signed up to form a new group, with many promising to bring in others who were unable to attend. As one of the organizers, I am so proud and thrilled to have found people who share the same heritage with me, running the same Taiwanese blood as I, here in San Diego. We have had a great jump start and I look forward to corroborate with TAFSD in building a powerful Taiwanese-American professionals group for many generations to come.

(Editor's Note: If you or your children missed this first gathering and like to participate in the future activities of this wonderful group of Taiwanese-American Young Professionals in San Diego, please send an email to Joanna: jytiplaw@gmail.com or to SDTAA@googlegroups.com.)