What Is Your Turning Point?

What is your turning point? What was your turning point?

A little background on me... Charlie and Lucy Wedemeyer and their book "Charlie's Victory" left a lasting impression on me. I was 15. At age 19, I wanted to be a public speaker to impact multitudes. As an introvert, I desired to overcome "stage fright." A fear of being on stage impacted me for nearly my whole life.

When I caught Asian American beatboxer Elaine Chao's Showtime at the Apollo show stopper, that was it for me. It would be a matter of time, I mustered the courage to bring out my hidden beatbox talent and skills to the world.

I began beatboxing at the tender age of four, as a Kauluwela Tiger Cub kindergartner, to the song Michael Jackson Bad. By age six, as a Liholiho Warrior first grader, a family member recorded my beatboxing of Bad on analog music cassette tape. I returned to Kauluwela and continued to beatbox, behind closed doors, through my years as a Tiger Cub, Kawananakoa Aliʻi Warrior, and McKinley Tiger.

My collision with a minivan that knocked me unconscious and left me with a concussion, head trauma, and recurring memory issues was the turning point of my life. At 21, I hit the stage as a beatboxer.

I went from being a Chinese school drop out who stuttered on the mic to becoming a Freeman Scholar at Beijing Foreign Studies University, to placing in four consecutive University of Hawaiʻi at Kapiʻolani Talent Shows.

Conquering fear, I've presented and spoken at TEDx Talks, KS EdTech Disrupt, Chevron Speech Festival, universities, community colleges, and conferences. I've performed and spoken on the "Music With A Message," "Say Yes to Purpose," "Not Even Once," and "Real and Powerful" school assembly tours.

I've opened shows for Michael Winslow, Jabbawockeez, Quest Crew, Blue Scholars, Reeps One, and performed live with Tom Thum, John Cruz, Jake Shimabukuro, Makana, Taimane Gardner, and Honoka.

As a fourth-generation American of Chinese descent, I've performed in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese for the ReThink Conference, Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, Chinese New Year Festival, Night in Chinatown Block Party, Moon Festival, International Hawaiʻi Chinese Cultural Arts Festival, and China Beatbox Tour.

My Chinese name, in traditional form 譚志豪 and 谭志豪 in simplified form, means "will," "many aspirations" and "a person of outstanding talent."

What is your turning point? What was your turning point?

For me, my turning point was that minivan collision 16 years ago, a wake up call.

I am grateful for that turning point in my life.

I am grateful to God, for family, friends, health, beatbox, and memories.

15 comments

CHERRY-ANNE SATTERFIELD LA
Nov 26 2020 4:21 PM

My turning point was when I was little and I found out that Jesus was coming back. I was your common their but somehow God sent sent someone on my life to tell me that.. I was determined to live according to his word. Times got tough as we were homeless at age 11 but im thankful for that person because if it wasn't for a praying mother I would be lost in jail not knowing how lost I was.

My turning point was when I was little and I found out that Jesus was coming back. I was your common their but somehow God sent sent someone on my life to tell me that.. I was determined to live according to his word. Times got tough as we were homeless at age 11 but im thankful for that person because if it wasn't for a praying mother I would be lost in jail not knowing how lost I was.
Branden “Image” Nakamura Waipahu, Hawaii
Nov 26 2020 6:58 PM

Very inspirational read about your turning point, JT! Much Love and Respect! Here’s my turning point: At age 16, I lost an Aunty who meant more to me than I knew at the time. A month after her passing, she and I had one last powerful dream that included an empowering conversation. While it was an emotional final goodbye, it was the start of “Image”, for me. Everything that Aunty was (kind, supportive, understanding, and so forth), was what I wanted to be; therefore, during my final conversation with my late Aunty, that’s where “Image” came to be. The goal behind being “Image” - to make that same impact on others that Aunty has on myself. It wasn’t set in stone on how I would take that approach; but, the next chapter wasn’t something I foresaw coming, until it happened. It wasn’t too long after that I found interest in hip hop lyricism, and learning more about the music business (growing up listening to hip hop & rap). A trip out to Kane’ohe and linking up with great people gave me the chance to become a part of one of Hawaii’s dominant record labels. That’s really where I put my name “Image” to use. From being a supporter of the company, to becoming an artist on the roster. Life truly does have its amazing ways of surprising us, for better or worse. If there’s something I learned with time - do good, and do the right thing, no matter how rough times get. It comes back to you, ten fold.

Very inspirational read about your turning point, JT! Much Love and Respect! Here’s my turning point:

At age 16, I lost an Aunty who meant more to me than I knew at the time. A month after her passing, she and I had one last powerful dream that included an empowering conversation. While it was an emotional final goodbye, it was the start of “Image”, for me. Everything that Aunty was (kind, supportive, understanding, and so forth), was what I wanted to be; therefore, during my final conversation with my late Aunty, that’s where “Image” came to be. The goal behind being “Image” - to make that same impact on others that Aunty has on myself. It wasn’t set in stone on how I would take that approach; but, the next chapter wasn’t something I foresaw coming, until it happened.

It wasn’t too long after that I found interest in hip hop lyricism, and learning more about the music business (growing up listening to hip hop & rap). A trip out to Kane’ohe and linking up with great people gave me the chance to become a part of one of Hawaii’s dominant record labels. That’s really where I put my name “Image” to use. From being a supporter of the company, to becoming an artist on the roster.

Life truly does have its amazing ways of surprising us, for better or worse. If there’s something I learned with time - do good, and do the right thing, no matter how rough times get. It comes back to you, ten fold.
Candace Izumi Honolulu, HI
Nov 26 2020 7:23 PM

You’re beyond amazing and inspirational Jason! For me, when I thought about it, I have had multiple turning points in my life. From loved friends and family passing away, to experiencing psychological abuse and traumatic events, all of these events did happen to me, but only after a while did I realize that they happened for me. Each experience made me choose to either feel sorry for myself, or grow...and I chose to grow and become a better person in all aspects of my life.

You’re beyond amazing and inspirational Jason!

For me, when I thought about it, I have had multiple turning points in my life. From loved friends and family passing away, to experiencing psychological abuse and traumatic events, all of these events did happen to me, but only after a while did I realize that they happened for me. Each experience made me choose to either feel sorry for myself, or grow...and I chose to grow and become a better person in all aspects of my life.
Jeannie Choi Washington
Nov 26 2020 7:52 PM

My turning point was at age 16 when God revealed his promise to me forwarding a career in show business. I pursued learning how to act in faith. I had been shy and would even self diagnose myself as selective mutism so I hadn't dreamt of being an actress until I believed. And then I acted on it. It was tough learning on my own at first through watching TV therefore I took high school drama classes and majored in Theater at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I since graduated and during pandemic have done a few virtual comedy open mics.

My turning point was at age 16 when God revealed his promise to me forwarding a career in show business. I pursued learning how to act in faith. I had been shy and would even self diagnose myself as selective mutism so I hadn't dreamt of being an actress until I believed. And then I acted on it. It was tough learning on my own at first through watching TV therefore I took high school drama classes and majored in Theater at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I since graduated and during pandemic have done a few virtual comedy open mics.
Tommy Tran Oakland california
Nov 26 2020 8:16 PM

My turning point is when I met a Malaysian lady in Walnut Creek . She invited me to world system builder to learn about building a big business through financial education, and sharing about how money works, debt management, life insurance . I am very thankful for God to put in situation to succeed and help many people. This year with pandemic on going , we can reach people virtually through zoom. I believe if your dream is bigger than your fear, you can conquer anything. Keep at it, keep building relationship and eventually someone will join you. Don’t give up because you one recruit away from explosion

My turning point is when I met a Malaysian lady in Walnut Creek . She invited me to world system builder to learn about building a big business through financial education, and sharing about how money works, debt management, life insurance . I am very thankful for God to put in situation to succeed and help many people. This year with pandemic on going , we can reach people virtually through zoom. I believe if your dream is bigger than your fear, you can conquer anything. Keep at it, keep building relationship and eventually someone will join you. Don’t give up because you one recruit away from explosion
Jaky Perú
Nov 26 2020 8:32 PM

Bueno saber de ti que lo estas logrando, eres una persona talentosa. you are an amazing person and I think you will be succesfull in all things. God bless you. 🙏💯😃

Bueno saber de ti que lo estas logrando, eres una persona talentosa. you are an amazing person and I think you will be succesfull in all things. God bless you. 🙏💯😃
Gale Oahu
Nov 26 2020 9:29 PM

I would say that a person can have many turning points in their lives. For me, it was when I got married, when I got pregnant with my first child, when I got divorced and when I got my Bachelor's degree later in life. All were a significant part of my life. These turning points shaped the person I am today. However, there is one more turning point in my life that supersedes the rest and that is when I gave my life to Jesus. My life has never been the same and it is so much sweeter.

I would say that a person can have many turning points in their lives. For me, it was when I got married, when I got pregnant with my first child, when I got divorced and when I got my Bachelor's degree later in life. All were a significant part of my life. These turning points shaped the person I am today. However, there is one more turning point in my life that supersedes the rest and that is when I gave my life to Jesus. My life has never been the same and it is so much sweeter.
Luna Honolulu
Nov 26 2020 11:35 PM

My turning point was when I escaped my abusive ex in cali, after he kidnapped me in a motel for a month straight.. He took advantage of the fact that I recently became 18 and didnt know much of anything, or anyone there. it was escape and be hurt or survive a lonely life locked inside and be hurt anyways.. I packed one day and ran in the dark as he followed me in his car.. I had many escape attempts through that week, but I managed to get away that time and hide in the bushes with my kitten mittens. I remember stareing at the moon and stars in the clear sky and asking the lord to help me and mittens. I was scared of total loneliness. I saw a strong light coming close to me.. A stranger saw his flashlight reflect on my suitcase and saw me crying, he drove me to his house after buying me take out food.. And shown me some Jesus movies. (I was already in faith) but it eased my mind. I spent a whole year on foot after he couldn't keep me after a week due to his house lease. I had blisters and my ex managed to track me all across cali somehow.. It confused me how my homeless friends who I added on Facebook were contacted by him, but I assume he hacked my phone and thats how he tracked me. My new homeless friends told him I was fine without him, and he never came back. Eventually my grama in hawaii was able to track my lost California family, and I slowly made progress back into society. Through this journey I went without money and believed in myself, and managed to make my way back to Hawaii with a grocery job. A whole year of homelessness and inner strength shown me I was stronger than I think. Have faith, believe that the lord has a plan no matter what, even when you dont know you have strength, he IS your strength. He has plans before they even unfold.

My turning point was when I escaped my abusive ex in cali, after he kidnapped me in a motel for a month straight.. He took advantage of the fact that I recently became 18 and didnt know much of anything, or anyone there. it was escape and be hurt or survive a lonely life locked inside and be hurt anyways.. I packed one day and ran in the dark as he followed me in his car.. I had many escape attempts through that week, but I managed to get away that time and hide in the bushes with my kitten mittens. I remember stareing at the moon and stars in the clear sky and asking the lord to help me and mittens. I was scared of total loneliness. I saw a strong light coming close to me.. A stranger saw his flashlight reflect on my suitcase and saw me crying, he drove me to his house after buying me take out food.. And shown me some Jesus movies. (I was already in faith) but it eased my mind. I spent a whole year on foot after he couldn't keep me after a week due to his house lease. I had blisters and my ex managed to track me all across cali somehow.. It confused me how my homeless friends who I added on Facebook were contacted by him, but I assume he hacked my phone and thats how he tracked me. My new homeless friends told him I was fine without him, and he never came back. Eventually my grama in hawaii was able to track my lost California family, and I slowly made progress back into society. Through this journey I went without money and believed in myself, and managed to make my way back to Hawaii with a grocery job. A whole year of homelessness and inner strength shown me I was stronger than I think. Have faith, believe that the lord has a plan no matter what, even when you dont know you have strength, he IS your strength. He has plans before they even unfold.
Marilena Romania
Nov 27 2020 1:05 AM

Aș usual, your article is very good. My turning point was back in 2001 when I've decided to change my life completely, and going back to finish my highschool after a 4 years breaking. Before that, I had a job and I was interested only in having money. But while working, I didn't felt satisfied, I wanted more from life. I felt like I can do more than to be stuck with a boring job that i hated it. The only satisfaction i had was my salary. But for a short while because the money that i gained that time, i spend it fast on clothing and other things. After i graduate that highschool, I went to university and it was the moment when I opened my eyes about the world. I wanted to know more and more things. I started to invest all my money in myself, in my education, buying books, going to take English lessons, and traveling. I will never regret my decision in going back to school. I was so determined that day that even now I remember what day it was - July 21, 2001, and i was standing on the beach, contemplating the Black Sea and thinking at my future. And it was a very beautiful blue sky. 💙

Aș usual, your article is very good. My turning point was back in 2001 when I've decided to change my life completely, and going back to finish my highschool after a 4 years breaking. Before that, I had a job and I was interested only in having money. But while working, I didn't felt satisfied, I wanted more from life. I felt like I can do more than to be stuck with a boring job that i hated it. The only satisfaction i had was my salary. But for a short while because the money that i gained that time, i spend it fast on clothing and other things. After i graduate that highschool, I went to university and it was the moment when I opened my eyes about the world. I wanted to know more and more things. I started to invest all my money in myself, in my education, buying books, going to take English lessons, and traveling. I will never regret my decision in going back to school. I was so determined that day that even now I remember what day it was - July 21, 2001, and i was standing on the beach, contemplating the Black Sea and thinking at my future. And it was a very beautiful blue sky. 💙
Miley Mililani
Nov 27 2020 9:56 AM

Hi, Jason. you have unlimited potential and Pursue breakthroughs in your life.I am very proud of you. Your efforts and achievements inspire me much .As people say “ Never too old to learn.“ my understand for turning point is keeping learning and I can realize all my dreams. Never stop studying, Let us make a difference in this world.

Hi, Jason. you have unlimited potential and Pursue breakthroughs in your life.I am very proud of you. Your efforts and achievements inspire me much .As people say “ Never too old to learn.“ my understand for turning point is keeping learning and I can realize all my dreams. Never stop studying, Let us make a difference in this world.
Cameron Hawaii
Nov 27 2020 11:29 AM

My turning point was when I gratuated from high school. I was not aware of how blessed I was, and how great my parents were until I went out and saw how skewed my perception was of the real world.

My turning point was when I gratuated from high school. I was not aware of how blessed I was, and how great my parents were until I went out and saw how skewed my perception was of the real world.
Ni Vu U.S
Nov 27 2020 11:44 AM

A little background about me...I’m Vietnamese. I came to the US at the age of 13. Because of the language barrier and cultural differences, I was socially isolated, timid, and low in self esteem throughout my teens. Despite the challenges, I managed to obtain a master degree in architectural design. But by the time I had reached my goal, I was completely burned out and felt empty from the lack of life experiences. Hence I decided to put my career on hold, moved oversea with my husband, became a recycled artist, and travel the world for the next few years. Fast forward, my turning point is when I found out my cousin passed away from stomach cancer, my sister had ovarian cancer, and my parents were popping pills for their high blood pressure. I started to ask the question “Why” and “What” can I do to prevent this from happening to me and my own family. I started to submerge myself in reading literature about nutrition. Once I started reading, I was shocked to find out that the food pyramid wasn’t quit the pinnacle of nutrition I had once believed; that dairy doesn’t do a body good; and that protein comes in all different kinds of foods, not just meat; and that animal products are the cause of all chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease. I was relived that I was finally be able to connect the dots. Those information made sense to me on multiple levels, which ultimately empowered my husband and I to adopt a plant based lifestyle and we have never looked back. I became a certified in plant based nutrition because I want to share my knowledge and inspire others to take control of their health. I believe that is most positive thing I can give back to my community and our planet. 💚✌🏼

A little background about me...I’m Vietnamese. I came to the US at the age of 13. Because of the language barrier and cultural differences, I was socially isolated, timid, and low in self esteem throughout my teens.

Despite the challenges, I managed to obtain a master degree in architectural design. But by the time I had reached my goal, I was completely burned out and felt empty from the lack of life experiences. Hence I decided to put my career on hold, moved oversea with my husband, became a recycled artist, and travel the world for the next few years.

Fast forward, my turning point is when I found out my cousin passed away from stomach cancer, my sister had ovarian cancer, and my parents were popping pills for their high blood pressure. I started to ask the question “Why” and “What” can I do to prevent this from happening to me and my own family.

I started to submerge myself in reading literature about nutrition. Once I started reading, I was shocked to find out that the food pyramid wasn’t quit the pinnacle of nutrition I had once believed; that dairy doesn’t do a body good; and that protein comes in all different kinds of foods, not just meat; and that animal products are the cause of all chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease. I was relived that I was finally be able to connect the dots. Those information made sense to me on multiple levels, which ultimately empowered my husband and I to adopt a plant based lifestyle and we have never looked back.

I became a certified in plant based nutrition because I want to share my knowledge and inspire others to take control of their health. I believe that is most positive thing I can give back to my community and our planet. 💚✌🏼
Glenn Long Beach
Nov 27 2020 11:55 AM

My turning point was at Mt Hermon where a preacher spoke of Noah’s last day before the flood. This was in the year of 1975. I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and reborn!!!

My turning point was at Mt Hermon where a preacher spoke of Noah’s last day before the flood. This was in the year of 1975. I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and reborn!!!
Junior Washington lakewood
Nov 27 2020 12:31 PM

Hey Jason I followed you for a while on Instagram. Man, love to meet you one day. I was born and raised in waianae. Love my hometown. Now I'm in Washington state. Anyways keep up the good talent that you have brother. And always stay safe and bless. Looking forward to see more of your videos on ig...happy holidays to you and ohana..... 🤙🤙🙌🙌

Hey Jason I followed you for a while on Instagram. Man, love to meet you one day.
I was born and raised in waianae. Love my hometown. Now I'm in Washington state.
Anyways keep up the good talent that you have brother. And always stay safe and bless.
Looking forward to see more of your videos on ig...happy holidays to you and ohana..... 🤙🤙🙌🙌
Nate Oahu
Dec 4 2020 6:55 PM

I definitely have more than one significant turning point. One that I'll mention is all of the brothers and sisters I've met throughout the years from attending my church and its many different functions. Jason, you are definitely one of them that God has used to have a huge and extremely important impact on my life. An impact that has truly changed my life for the better forever. I truly appreciate every single one of these brothers and sisters in Christ. Iron does sharpen iron and I've been tremendously blessed through the friendships that have been formed.

I definitely have more than one significant turning point. One that I'll mention is all of the brothers and sisters I've met throughout the years from attending my church and its many different functions. Jason, you are definitely one of them that God has used to have a huge and extremely important impact on my life. An impact that has truly changed my life for the better forever. I truly appreciate every single one of these brothers and sisters in Christ. Iron does sharpen iron and I've been tremendously blessed through the friendships that have been formed.