Finding the True Voice: Antonio Dongyang Inspires Students

By Lisa Nguyen

“We grow up hearing so many voices that we forget what our own voice sounds like,” Antonio explained.

Students in Ming Chuan University’s Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) program welcomed guest speaker Antonio Dongyang, who shared personal stories along with meaningful lessons on self-identity and communication. His insights, drawn from real-life experiences, encouraged students to rethink how they define value and authenticity in both their careers and personal lives.

Unpacking the “Voices in Our Heads”

Antonio began by describing the invisible voices that follow everyone from childhood—the expectations of parents, teachers, and society. He explained that these influences often shape young people’s decisions more than they realize, causing confusion between what they truly want and what they are told to want.

“Real growth starts when you learn to separate the two,” he said. Antonio encouraged students to slow down, reflect, and understand which desires belong to them and which arise from external pressure.

A Water Bottle and the Power of Environment

Antonio shared the story of a simple water bottle. A bottle of water may cost 1 USD in a convenience store but 3 USD at an airport. The bottle itself never changes—only its environment does.

“Your value doesn’t decrease because some people cannot see it,” Antonio said. “Sometimes you are simply in the wrong place.” His message emphasized that finding the right environment is often the first step toward unlocking one’s potential.

Childhood Memories and Identity Formation

Antonio also shared emotional stories from his childhood, illustrating how early experiences quietly shape a person’s identity. He noted that many fears and insecurities in adulthood are rooted in unresolved memories.

He encouraged students not to blame themselves for their emotional reactions but instead to understand where these feelings originate. “When you understand your past, you stop fighting yourself,” he said.

Redefining Career and Purpose

Regarding career choices, Antonio explained that young people often feel pressured to find the right path quickly, even though life rarely follows a straight line. He encouraged students to focus on discovering who they are becoming, rather than solely on what job they want to attain.

“Life is not about choosing the perfect plan,” he emphasized. “It’s about collecting experiences and understanding yourself along the way.”

Antonio’s stories were simple yet meaningful, each offering a reminder to reflect, stay grounded, and trust oneself.