Light Years from the Side of the Freeway – Part 3
When his mother made it clear she did not want any involvement with a gay son, Patrick packed up and moved across the country to live with one of his aunts in California. He transferred to Cordova High School, struggling to learn the high school curriculum while...
A Traumatic Event – Part 5
The way I choose to empower others is to lead by example. As the leader in my family, I have everyone counting on me to be my best. It is a lot of responsibility, but I knew that the best way for me to set a good example for my family was to get my education. I...
Light Years from the Side of the Freeway – Part 2
For a period of time, life was finally looking up. Patrick was living with his grandmother, a kind matriarch who worked hard to ensure her grandson always had what he needed. Patrick thought life could not have been any sweeter until he met another woman who also...
A Traumatic Event – Part 4
I recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in psychology. It took me twelve years to get a four-year degree. The journey was not easy—it took a lot of practice, commitment, and resiliency. Being the first in my lineage to graduate high school...
Light Years from the Side of the Freeway – Part 1
Part I: A Battle from Birth For some people, realizing the American Dream is a lofty goal worth pursuing. For others, the American Dream is simply a fight for survival. Patrick Ma has fought and won an inspiring fight for his American dream. Patrick’s story may not...BLOG HOME
