Contact
  • HOME
  • / MEDIA /
  • Her Father Ignored Her For 8 Months When She No Longer Wanted To Be A Doctor

Stories

December 13, 2022

SHARE:

This may have happened to you (maybe not the musical writing part), or you may know someone from an Asian background who is currently struggling as their parents had strongly expected or already had chosen a job for them.

But how many of you have bravely rejected your parents’ desires, and followed your true passion? Take it from this courageous girl, Joy Regullano. You might remember her from the viral YouTube sketch called White Fetish, or various random acting gigs like the TV Series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (her line was “Yeah, bitch!”) or Modern Family (with her line was “You fools!”).

That’s right, Joy is quite too far from wearing a white coat. She’s an actress, comedian, and writer — every Asian parents’ nightmare. So when she told her parents that she didn’t want to be a doctor anymore, her father didn’t talk to her for 8 months. Years later, she wrote a comedy musical about it, called Supportive White Parents.

“Working on this musical has been a major part of my healing journey (my parents are imperfect people who were just passing down intergenerational trauma) and maybe it can be part of yours too,” Joy expresses.

Read through as Joy shares how she has discovered her passion for comedy, and her journey to healing and acceptance through her musical.

MY WHOLE LIFE, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE A DOCTOR JUST LIKE MY PARENTS

My parents were born and raised in the Philippines. My dad grew up very poor in one of the provinces, but after scoring in the top percentage of all students across the country on an exam, he got a scholarship to a prestigious science high school in Manila that was all expenses paid. My parents met in medical school, and soon after graduating, they came to the US by way of New York. Eventually, they made their way across the country to Eagle Rock in LA and then Orange County, where I grew up. 

My whole life, I thought I was going to be a doctor just like my parents. I tried my best to be the perfect daughter. I got straight A’s and took piano lessons since I was 3 and violin lessons starting at 8. (Well, actually, I got one B+ in AP/IB Physics, but we don’t talk about that B+) I studied math outside of school at Kumon and played educational computer games because it was a productive use of my time. I read medical books my parents had lying around the house and had subscriptions to science magazines in high school, for fun.

But as I grew older, there was a part of me that was starting to love writing and making people laugh. For 7th-grade vocabulary exercises, I cared more about making my sentences funny than using the word right. My favorite part about English and Spanish group projects was writing the scripts and acting in them. I wrote bad high school poetry. But I didn’t think that was an acceptable thing to want to do with my life, so I shoved that part down, deep inside me. I did write for the school newspaper and compete in speech contests and debate teams, but that was about the extent of my (public) creative life. 

But as I grew older, there was a part of me that was starting to love writing and making people laugh.

-Joy Regullano

I LOVED FEELING LIKE I COULD MAKE THE AUDIENCE LAUGH AND CRY JUST BY TELLING AN HONEST STORY

I went to UC Berkeley pre-med and was planning to take over my dad’s clinic when he retired. But in the first semester of my freshman year, I got a B on my first math test and a C on my first chem test, and I panicked. After some soul-searching, I realized I wasn’t actually passionate about any of that and ended up cycling through a bunch of different majors before landing on Theater and Southeast Asian Studies.

I wrote a play in college about a friend who had passed away in high school, and when I put it up in front of an audience, I was hooked. I loved feeling like I could make the audience laugh and cry just by telling an honest story. Just by being myself. I wanted to do that for the rest of my life. I loved Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s work so much that I couldn’t even watch them for a long time because it hurt that I wasn’t doing what they were doing. 

WHITE PARENTS: A MUSICAL INSPIRED BY MY LIFE

I wrote the book and the lyrics to a comedy musical called “Supportive White Parents” about an Asian girl who tells her parents she doesn’t want to be a doctor anymore, and when they’re disappointed, she wishes on a shooting star for supportive white parents. Eventually, she learns to love her Filipino parents for who they are. My friends Sam Johnides and Tony Gonzalez wrote the music.

The musical was inspired by my life. When I told my parents I didn’t want to be a doctor like them and take over my dad’s clinic, my dad yelled at me, called me selfish, and didn’t talk to me for 8 months. I was absolutely devastated, even though I knew that making people laugh and cry was what I had been put on this earth to do. 

I felt so jealous of my white theater classmates with their seemingly endlessly supportive white parents. And funny enough, they were jealous of me because I had something called “discipline”, played multiple instruments, and knew other languages. And thus, the seed of a musical was born.

Eventually, she learns to love her Filipino parents for who they are.

-Joy Regullano

LAUGHING AT OURSELVES CAN BE ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO HEAL

There aren’t many Asian American musicals, let alone comedy Asian American musicals. One of my teachers says that comedy is the back door to the truth. I think that laughing at ourselves can be one of the best ways to heal, as well as realizing that we are not alone. 

We as a generation are going through this together, and also, we, as well as our parents, are the products of society and intergenerational trauma. We are all imperfect people who are trying the best we can with the tools we have. 

ACCEPTANCE IS THE QUICKEST WAY TO SANITY AND PEACE

I love the serenity prayer. There are some things that we can change, and we should do what we can to change those things. There are some things we can’t change, and it’ll drive you crazy trying to. You can’t control other people. You can only control yourself. The sooner you can accept other people are how they are, the sooner you’ll stop giving your energy away. 

Also, one thing I learned that blew my mind is that it’s actually not love, to wish that your parents or family were different than who they are. If what I was asking from them was to love me for exactly who I am, with all my imperfections, isn’t that what I should be giving them too? Unconditional love and acceptance? (That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have boundaries – that could be a whole other article.) But accepting things you can’t change is the quickest way to sanity and peace. 

If what I was asking from them was to love me for exactly who I am, with all my imperfections, isn’t that what I should be giving them too?

-Joy Regullano

It’s a daily practice. But try it! After reading “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”, I tried to imagine that I only had one f– to give a day. How much energy would I be saving by only getting bent out of shape over the most important things!? I’m not really good at giving only one f– a day. But I’ll keep trying.

One more thing – some people need to be angry before they move to acceptance. I know I did, and I still feel angry sometimes. Accepting yourself and your feelings is part of the process too. Wherever you are in your journey is okay.

CONNECT WITH JOY

Instagram: @supportivewhiteparents @joyregullano

Twitter: @swpmusical @joyregullano

Website: www.supportivewhiteparents.com

Be on the lookout for the upcoming Supportive White Parent concept album, to be released in January 2023, with singles leading up to it! 

Related Articles

image

Stories

The Fighter Mentality Driving Anthony Kwok, CEO and Co-Founder at ZILIO, to Fix Fashion’s Most Overlooked Problem

Anthony Kwok’s journey didn’t begin in a boardroom. It began in places that demanded discipline, resilience, and the ability to keep going when things got uncomfortable. First in the ring as a professional fighter, and later through a medical crisis that reshaped how he approached both life and leadership.

Those experiences now shape how Anthony runs ZILIO, a fashion tech company building AI-powered sizing solutions for brands and uniform providers. What looks like a startup on the surface is really the result of years spent learning how pressure exposes real problems, and how frustration often points to what needs fixing most.

At ZILIO, Anthony brings that mindset to one of fashion’s most overlooked challenges: the perfect fit. Not just as a sizing issue, but as a confidence issue that affects how people show up, move through their day, and feel in their own skin.

The Lessons That Carried Him Through

Before stepping into the tech world, Anthony spent his years as a professional fighter competing on FoxSports. Growing up Asian in a predominantly white environment, he felt he had to work twice as hard to be seen. This drive eventually led him to the ISKA Victorian Title. However, his toughest fight came outside the ring when he suffered two strokes the same year he founded ZILIO.

Walking away would have been understandable. Instead, Anthony leaned into the discipline he learned as a fighter. As he puts it, “Being a professional fighter taught me one non-negotiable principle: Never quit. No matter what. That philosophy carried me through recovery and continues to guide how I build today.”

Solving the “Booty Short” Problem

The idea for ZILIO was born from personal frustration. As an athlete with a specific build, Anthony found online shopping to be a constant gamble. He still remembers ordering gym shorts that arrived fitting like “booty shorts,” an experience that made him wonder why we can dress video game avatars perfectly but struggle to do the same in real life.

ZILIO solves this by replacing confusing size charts with accurate AI recommendations. The company started with corporate uniforms, where poor fit creates massive operational headaches for brands like Coles and Australian Unity. The impact was immediate. ZILIO has helped partners cut returns by 40% and significantly boosted customer engagement by giving them a fit they can trust.

Anthony Kwok (right), CEO and Co-Founder of ZILIO

Helping People Stop Second-Guessing Their Bodies

For Anthony, this mission is personal. He knows that standard size charts often fail people with diverse backgrounds and body types, including many in the Asian community. His goal is to make sizing “invisible” so that people can focus on their style instead of their anxiety.

“Fashion is deeply emotional, and a bad sizing experience can stop someone from exploring style altogether,” Anthony explains. “ZILIO exists to navigate that complexity and give people clarity and confidence, regardless of body type or background.”

With $500,000 in funding and awards like the B&T 30 Under 30, Anthony is proving that a kid with a big imagination can change a global industry. Whether it’s through his upcoming 3D virtual fitting rooms or his work with major brands like Rebel Sport, he is making sure that the next time you shop online, you’re buying a piece of clothing that actually fits your life.

Discover more about Anthony Kwok here:

📍LinkedIn📍Instagram

Learn more about ZILIO here:

📍Website📍Instagram

  • 3 min read
5fb9cf02-106f-4637-a666-2db06176ce94-jpeg

Stories

From War Survivor to Literary Leader: The Remarkable Rise of Amy M. Le, CEO of Quill Hawk Publishing

Amy M. Le, CEO of Quill Hawk Publishing, has built her life around stories that matter. Not the polished kind that skip the hard parts, but the honest ones shaped by loss, survival, and growth. Her journey reflects how personal history can quietly become a source of strength.

Every stage of Amy’s life pushed her to adapt and redefine what success looked like. She learned early that resilience is not loud or dramatic, but steady and intentional. Over time, those lessons shaped the way she approaches both writing and leadership.

Today, Amy’s work centers on creating space for voices that are often overlooked. Through publishing and community-building, she helps others turn lived experience into stories that resonate far beyond the page.

 

Photo courtesy of Amy M. Le, CEO of Quill Hawk Publishing

Born in War, Saved by Courage

Amy M. Le was born during the final months of the Vietnam War, a period defined by intense fear and systemic instability. As an infant, she faced a life-threatening heart condition that put her future in jeopardy before it had truly begun. Because medical resources were scarce in a war zone, her survival was never a guarantee.

Driven by a mother’s fierce love, her family made the harrowing choice to flee Vietnam in search of safety and essential medical care. This escape carried enormous risks, yet it was fueled by an unwavering hope for a life free from conflict. That courageous decision ultimately changed the trajectory of Amy’s life, setting her on a path toward a new world.

Photo courtesy of Amy M. Le (far right), CEO of Quill Hawk Publishing

A New Life and a Turning Point

Their journey eventually led them to Seattle, where Amy underwent the life-saving heart surgery she so desperately needed. This successful procedure gave her much more than physical health; it provided a second chance and a profound sense of purpose. With this renewed vitality, she grew up determined to make the most of every opportunity her new home provided.

Following this recovery, Amy spent over twenty years navigating the high-pressure tech industry to build a stable and successful career. However, the trajectory of her life shifted once again when she faced the devastating loss of her mother. In the wake of this grief, she turned to writing as an essential lifeline to heal her heart and rebuild her sense of identity.

Photo courtesy of Amy M. Le, CEO of Quill Hawk Publishing

Turning Story into a Mission

That personal healing became The Snow Trilogy, a powerful book series telling the true story of her family’s escape from Vietnam and their new life in America. The books resonated deeply with readers who saw their own stories reflected in its pages. What began as personal healing became a collective connection.

Inspired by that impact, Amy founded Quill Hawk Publishing, a hybrid company built to empower authors without stripping away their creative freedom. In just three years, the company has grown to support 70 authors from Seattle to Sydney, proving that no matter where you begin, you can always rewrite your story and help others tell theirs too.

Discover more from Amy M. Le here:

📍Instagram

Learn more about Quill Hawk Publishing here:

📍Website

  • 3 min read
40748b69-2f96-4629-bbbe-b024579ea217-jpeg

Stories

4 Creative Ways Trysen Kaneshige Uses Art to Keep Aloha Alive

Some artists create for attention or fleeting trends, but Trysen creates with intention, guided by a deep sense of responsibility to the culture that shaped him. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, he learned that Aloha is not just a feeling, but a way of living rooted in care, respect, and connection.

That belief now guides both his art and his creative studio, Inspire to Create Media. Through murals, design work, and storytelling projects, Trysen uses his business as a platform to protect culture while helping others share their stories with intention.

1. Reviving Local Stories Through Murals

 

Photo courtesy of Trysen Kaneshige, Founder of Inspire to Create Media

At the core of Trysen’s work is listening. On Kauaʻi, he spends time learning from residents about their histories, struggles, and sources of pride before creating any artwork. This approach reflects the values he also brings into Inspire to Create Media, where storytelling always begins with people.

The murals that follow are rooted in real voices. They transform blank walls into visual records that help locals feel represented and allow visitors to understand the island through the community’s lived experience.

 

2. Designing With Aloha in Mind

 

Photo courtesy of Trysen Kaneshige, Founder of Inspire to Create Media

Aloha influences how Trysen collaborates, how carefully he considers each element, and how much intention goes into every decision. Design, for him, is about respect as much as aesthetics. That same mindset shapes the design work produced through Inspire to Create Media. 

Whether creating branding, apparel, or custom visuals, his goal is to make work that feels warm and grounded. Each piece is designed to reflect care, balance, and a sense of home rather than fleeting trends.

 

3. Empowering Youth and Community Spaces

 

Photo courtesy of Trysen Kaneshige (fourth from left), Founder of Inspire to Create Media

Beyond client work, Trysen uses both his art and his studio to invest in the next generation. Through partnerships with schools and wellness programs, Inspire to Create Media supports projects that turn shared spaces into places for expression and growth.

By involving young people in the creative process, he helps build confidence and identity. These initiatives focus less on the final product and more on giving youth a voice and a stronger connection to their roots.

 

4. Building a Global Bridge From Island Roots

 

Photo courtesy of Trysen Kaneshige, Founder of Inspire to Create Media

While his work is deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi, its reach continues to grow beyond the islands. Through collaborations with global brands like Volcom and OluKai, Trysen shares an authentic island perspective with a wider audience.

These partnerships amplify his message without compromising its foundation. By staying grounded in culture, he shows that it is possible to connect with the world while remaining true to where you come from.

 

Photo courtesy of Trysen Kaneshige, Founder of Inspire to Create Media

 

Carrying Aloha Forward

At its core, Trysen’s work—through his art and his studio, Inspire to Create Media—is an ongoing act of care. Through each project, he honors his home, uplifts his community, and uses creativity as a way to carry Aloha forward with intention, respect, and lasting impact.

More than anything, his work reflects a belief that culture is something you actively protect and pass on. By choosing collaboration over ego and meaning over trends, Trysen ensures that Aloha is not only preserved, but lived, felt, and shared with future generations.

Discover more from Trysen Kaneshige here:

📍Facebook

📍Instagram

Learn more about Inspire to Create Media here:

📍Website

📍Instagram

 

  • 3 min read
01-png

Stories

From Jackie Chan’s Assistant to Building Paire: How Nathan Yun’s Vision for Better Essentials Became a $15M a Year Brand

Nathan Yun did not start his career thinking he would one day build a consumer brand. His early years were spent on film sets and in editing rooms, learning how stories are shaped and how audiences respond to them. Working as an assistant to Jackie Chan gave him a front-row view of storytelling at its highest level. He watched how a single film could reach millions of people and create a shared emotional moment across cultures.

Yet over time, he noticed something that stayed with him. The inspiration was real, but it faded quickly. Once the credits rolled, people returned to their usual routines. That contrast made him question what lasting influence really looked like. Was it found in big, unforgettable moments, or in the small things people interacted with every day?

Paire grew out of that question, built not around trends or marketing tactics, but around everyday essentials, starting with socks. If stories could move people for a moment, Nathan believed products could shape how they lived every day.

From Film Sets to Daily Habits

Nathan came to understand that while stories stay with people selectively, habits are formed through repetition. Clothing, especially everyday essentials, plays a quiet but constant role in daily life. When something feels uncomfortable or wears out too quickly, people notice it immediately, even if they never say it out loud.

This insight marked a turning point. Nathan no longer wanted to create something people felt for a moment. He wanted to build something they could rely on every day. From the beginning, Paire was shaped around that idea.

Instead of chasing trends, the brand focused on fit, fabric, and longevity. The goal was simple: to make essentials people would reach for again without thinking.

Nathan Yun (right), Founder of Paire

Learning How to Build Before Building His Own

Before launching Paire, Nathan spent five years at furniture startup Brosa, where he learned what it takes to grow a business beyond an idea. As the company expanded from a ten-person team to more than one hundred employees, his role evolved from content creation to leading brand and marketing.

During that time, he saw how forecasting affected inventory, how data guided growth, and how pressure increased as operations scaled. He also witnessed what happened when demand moved faster than systems, and how costly it could be to build those systems too late.

Those experiences shaped how Nathan approached entrepreneurship. He did not want to build Paire on instinct alone. He wanted a clear understanding of supply chains, margins, logistics, and customer behavior before committing to his own brand.

Nathan Yun (far right), Founder of Paire

The Trip That Made the Mission Personal

The purpose behind Paire became clear during a trip to India. Away from polished storefronts and online campaigns, Nathan saw the fashion industry in a very different light. He witnessed environmental damage near production sites and spoke with workers whose livelihoods depended on high-volume manufacturing.

“That experience made it clear something needed to change,” Nathan explains. What stayed with him most was how disconnected these realities were from everyday shopping habits.

Much of the damage he saw came from clothing treated as disposable. When he returned home, Nathan reached out to his longtime friend Rex, a textile expert. Instead of launching a wide range of products, they chose to start small. The focus was on improving a single item and making it last.

Nathan Yun (left), Founder of Paire

Earning Trust Through the Product Itself

Nathan understood that values alone would not earn loyalty. The product had to prove itself in everyday life. The team spent months refining fabric blends, improving breathability, and testing durability through repeated wear and wash cycles.

Pricing a pair of socks at twenty-four dollars came with risk. Most consumers were used to buying socks cheaply and replacing them often. But once people tried Paire, many returned. Nearly seventy percent became repeat customers, not because of marketing, but because the product became part of their routine.

By focusing on quality and longevity, Nathan Yun built a $15M-a-year brand that shows meaningful change does not always arrive loudly. Sometimes, it begins quietly, through the simplest things we rely on every day.

Follow Nathan’s journey:

📍 Website
📍 Instagram | LinkedIn

  • 4 min read