It all started when my parents met in the Philippines.
Mia, my life-of-the-party, hilarious and charming mother
was working as a waitress.
My Dad, Willie, was a Marine Corps officer with
a moral compass comparable to Super Man.
He often described himself as "boring but sturdy."
On their first date, she overslept.
On their second date, she overslept.
So he bought her a present. An alarm clock.
And on their third date, success!
Except that midway through the date my mom farted.
And it was in this moment that she knew my father was the one.
Because he looked back at her and said:
"Did you step on a frog?'
They got married and had me, My brother Will, and my sister Kristina.
As a military family, we moved around every 2 to 3 years
to new states if not new countries.
And when I was 17, Kristina killed herself.
My life, really, is a before and after of this pivotal moment.
It defines me whether I want it to or not.
It's what has made me who I am today.
I started doing Stand-Up (Comedy) when I was 19
because it was the only thing that made me laugh.
I would commute the 2 hour drive to Los Angeles
hitting open mics and doing shows
in laundromats or coffee shops.
I finally was able to move to the city when I was 21
and I started doing Youtube.
I had a few failed channels and ruined friendships
until I found my stride doing advice and story based
videos where I acted out all the parts.
I started doing a video a week.
And, until now, haven't stopped.
If I had to really draw what my life is
here's what you'd see:
Me at home, filming videos and working on the
computer
On set, as a director or an actor
In class
On stage performing improv or stand up (comedy)
Waiting in the In N Out Drive Thru more times than I'm proud of.
Driving to and from meetings, so many meetings
All the meetings.
I go to dinner and a movie with my boyfriend.
I go to the gym three times a week.
I put off my dentist appointments.
I audition.
I cuddle with my cats every opportunity I get.
I run a business.
I hang out with my friends.
I binge on all the shows.
I get depressed sometimes.
You know, I'll lie on the floor or in bed
or just stare off into space, in the dark, like a creep
Sometimes I cry in the car for no reason.
I'll read an article about the conditions of livestock
or the suicide rates of teens and feel like life
is hopeless.
Sometimes I drink too much, eat too little
stress out over things that I know better than to stress out about.
Life so far has been trying to make a name for myself.
Pursuing a career and hustling since I was 19.
Wondering "how can I be a better person?"
Or if there's a difference I can make in the world.
Life has been working hard and living fast and
honestly, very confusing.
It has been realizing that my parents are just people.
It has been envying everyone who has a sister.
It has been defining myself through loss and
accomplishments and failure.
But I'm still young.
Life will keep changing. Illustrating whatever is next.
All I can really say is I am so lucky to do what I do
Age is a privilege that some never get.
And I love my life.
Even when I'm depressed and I can't get up off the floor.
Because there's always a kitty.
And did I mention I have 5 kitties?
I'm Anna Akana. Stay awesome Gotham.