Angela Tseng

Although my parents never played musical instruments, I grew up learning the piano and then played flute and clarinet in bands in orchestras through school. Music was an important part of my life and I had always hoped that my children would also find joy in learning to play an instrument. When I was thirteen, I took violin lessons along with my piano studies. For whatever reason, I disliked the violin because I had already mastered two instruments and didn’t have the gratification of instantly being able to master a third.  Read more >

When my daughter was in preschool, every morning was a tearful goodbye due to her separation anxiety.  Nowadays, she is well-adjusted seven-year-old with confident and sassy demeanor.  But once in a while, when faced with a new situation, she will still become extremely anxious.  Anxious to the point of being completely helpless in controlling her fears.  These are moments where I question my abilities to guide her through her troubles.  Moments that if I screw up, she might grow up to be paralyzed when faced with change.  Thankfully, we’ve successfully navigated through these situations so far.  Read more >

In a time not so long ago, snail mail was the cheapest way to contact or stay in touch with someone. When I was growing up, my mother received postcards from around the world requesting reprints of her scientific articles. When I went to college, I wrote letters on actual paper and mailed them to my high school friends. Sure, these days communications are instant and with cell phones and the internet, but there are no charming mementos to hold on to afterward.  Read more >

In a time not so long ago, there were group folk dances that people went to, where you could go to have a great time dancing in synchrony with friends, family and strangers.  Dancing nowadays mostly consists of going to loud and dark clubs and “doing your own thing.”  While individual dancing is can be fun, the structure of a group dance puts you into a part of a whole, something that we’ve lost along the way.  Read more >

There are so many dangers while driving, from driving under the influence to texting while driving, but let’s not forget the age old problem that can happen to anyone -- falling asleep while driving.  While drunk driving and texting are issues that people are well aware of, where legislation and law enforcement have stepped in, falling asleep while driving can happen to anyone and is just as dangerous.  Read more >