What 5 Years on YouTube Has Taught Me
In 2018, the most important thing I learned is how desperately I need Jesus. Uncannily, this reads almost identically to the lesson I shared in my 2014 reflection:
“…what I am saying is that in the midst of all my splashing, I think the biggest lesson from 2014 is that I need to trust God.”
December 31, 2014
2014 was a very different time. I was still in Ohio, independent YouTuber, making ends meet by working night shifts as a server in a Chinese restaurant. But just five years later, my big “risk” to jump into the creative industry looks like it has paid off in a big way. The YouTube show I created got renewed for its 4th and 5th season and regularly tops the charts on YouTube. I surpassed all my personal goals for my social media accounts. And the world became my playground as I got to take more than 70 flights to numerous cities in the past year. With as much career success as I’ve had in the past few years, someone from the outside might think that I have it all figured out.
Despite everything, my heart remains unchanged from 2013, focused on the one thing that got me into all of this in the first place. And that is to honor God in all that I do. Money, fame, and success can provide fleeting happiness, but if you ask anybody in this industry - none of that lasts. Truth be told, many of my most joyous and peaceful moments came when I was flat out broke. And many of my most anxious moments came when my social media numbers were the largest.
So what has changed in the past 5 years? Well, I’ve learned that being a Christian doesn’t mean that God will give me more. Being a Christian doesn’t make me a morally better person either - in fact, I’ve just become more aware of my own shortcomings, selfishness, and humanness. But thank God for that, because Jesus came for the sick and the sinners. What being a Christian does mean is that every day, I survive on the grace of God. And it means that the source of my joy comes from fulfilling God’s purpose in my life. And what exactly is that purpose? I’m still not 100% sure, but I know in some part it means using the platform I was given to share the love and good news of Jesus.
So, new year’s resolutions. I pray that in 2019, God would continue to guide me and never let me go. I pray that in 2019, my purpose would become a little clearer as I give back to God what He has given me. I pray that in 2019, I would find joy in His plans, strength in His sovereignty, and love in His grace.
Okay. With all that being said, here’s a look back at all the cool things that happened in 2018! All the things I’m thankful for, the things I’d like to praise God for, the things that I couldn’t have done without all of your love & support.
On February 4, Worth It aired a 2-minute special in the Super Bowl pre-game show.
On March 15, Worth It was featured on The Today Show.
On March 18, we launched Season 4 of Worth It!
On May 4, HBO asked me to be a community ambassador and guest judge for their HBO APA Visionaries Contest.
On May 13, we launched Season 3 of Worth It Lifestyle.
On May 14, Worth It won the People’s Voice Food & Drink Webby Award.
On May 14, I traveled to 7 countries in Europe in 10 days.
On June 3, we launched Worth It Merch.
On July 10, I attended my first Vidcon as a featured creator.
On July 16, I went back to Japan with the Worth It team + Rie!
On August 10, I attended my third KCON as a featured speaker.
On August 15, Crazy Rich Asians came out and sent shockwaves through the Asian American media landscape.
On September 9, we launched Season 5 of Worth It!
On September 19, I was a “contestant” on the Asian Bachelorette 2.
On September 21, a fan created a Worth It Wikipedia page. Looks like we’re official now.
On September 16, I found a church in NYC that I love!
On September 29, I was awarded the “Excellence in Cultural Awareness” award by Asian Professional Exchange.
On October 2, I had the privilege of appearing on one of my favorite YouTube channels - JK News.
On October 4, I hosted the San Gabriel Beer and Dumpling Festival.
On October 6, I played in my second ISA Charity Basketball game!
On October 10, I collaborated with Korean Englishman & Ollie, two of my favorite new friends.
On October 13, I appeared on Season 2 of In Control With Kelsey.
On October 22, Worth It won it’s second Streamy!
On November 9, I went to Kuala Lumpur and had a life-changing Nasi Lemak.
On November 13, I visited Taipei for the first time since high school and got to experience the incredible world of Taiwanese street food.
On December 8, I attended the Kore Asian Media Unforgettable Gala and was incredibly inspired by the movement happening for Asian Americans in media.
On December 9, I went to Seoul with three of my favorite people in the world and had the craziest time of my life. Also, the notion that LA K-Town food is as good as food in Korea is absurd.
On December 27, I went on a vacation with my whole family for the first time in 14 years!
I know 2018 was a hard year for many people. In many ways, 2018 was the toughest year of my life too. My encouragement to you: Stay true to yourself, keep the faith, and don’t let your heart grow faint. Better days ahead - we’ll get through this together <3
Steven
