A hair stylist, an assistant geography professor and a psychologist presented their individual experiences on being Asian American.

The panel presentation held Monday in the Campus Life Building entitled “Career Stories of Asian American Leaders” was the third in a four part leadership workshop series for Asian Americans.

Wei Luo, an assistant geography professor, Tes Tuason, a psychologist in the Counseling and Student Development Center and Lin Huo, a hair stylist at the JC Penney salon were brought together by the Asian American Resource Center and Counseling and Student Development Center.

Each panelist introduced themselves and gave a brief job description.

Panelists answered questions about the challenges they faced on moving to the United States, on being Asian American and how they overcame them.

“I came here to study from the Philippines,” Tuason said. “I had to work much harder than my colleagues. What drove me was that we were very poor.”

Luo was grateful that all the people around him were very helpful when he first moved to the United States in 1990. He had a hard time in graduate school because of his poor English.

The language differences proved an obstacle for all three panelists.

“My first job was baby-sitting and I couldn’t communicate with a 4-year-old,” Huo said. “I didn’t even know what ketchup was.”

Huo said she learned by keeping a piece of paper with her and learning a new word everyday.

Luo took advantage of the “Speak English With Us” program at Washington University.

The speakers emphasized the importance of loving your job and trying your best in order to succeed.

“My work is an extension of myself but then I get paid for it,” Tuason said.

Huo echoed the same sentiment by saying she would rather be at work on a Saturday than at home. She attributed her success to being honest and loving her customers.

“Follow your dream and work hard,” Huo said as her closing words for the session. “Even God couldn’t refuse when you keep trying.”

Notrida Mandica, graduate student in political science, attended the session and said it was very encouraging.

“It opened paths of how you pursue your career,” Mandica said.