I Thought I Was TRASH When I Went to PASIC...

If you’ve never heard of PASIC, it stands for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and it is an event that happens every year that percussionists from all over the world gather.

Want to know the last time I went to PASIC?

It was back in 1998 in Anaheim, California and I was there helping out my friend who was one of the exhibitors, selling Drum Pads.

Ah, what a good memory that was...I was fresh out of high school and I loved collecting as much swag as I could lol Fast forward several years later, and I was able to go to my 2nd PASIC convention, this time in Indianapolis, Indiana as a part of my company https://ensembleblock.com

I know I've grown a lot since 1998, especially when it comes to experience, skill, and confidence. But man, I still had plenty of confidence issues plaguing me throughout the convention as I dealt with all my past mental and emotional issues that I've put myself through my ENTIRE LIFE when it comes to this activity.

Allow me to be a little vulnerable here, but for me, when I see someone who has accomplished so much more than I have in the activity, I feel so extremely inferior that my imposter syndrome doesn't even allow me to say "hello" to them...I'm sure you feel this to some extent.

Do you ever feel shy trying to say hello to the caption head of your favorite Drumline? Do you feel like you’re not worthy of being in your own Drumline that is filled with such good players? Do you feel like your skills are trash because there are so many other drummers who are simply better than you?

Well, let me be the first to tell you that you are awesome, wherever you are in your journey and to not sell yourself short. Keep going and carve out your own path and legacy!

I definitely learned a lot about myself in going to PASOC and I realized that I still have a lot of issues to work out. Thankfully, I received a lot of help from my friend and business partner, Huei-Yuan Pan who told me not to sell myself short and to value my own unique experience, my knowledge, and perspective. I never did get the courage to introduce myself to some heavy hitters, but I will at the next PASIC, for sure!

I think I'll be better next time and I encourage you to watch the video blog below about my trip to PASIC; I hope you can learn something from my experience :)