Since I was eight years old, YouTube has been my sanctuary, a place where I discovered inexplicable joy in the world of screens. I often asked myself, “Why do these videos bring me so much happiness?”
Little did I know that this curiosity would shape my destiny in ways I could never have imagined.
Growing up in Thailand, I was surrounded by peers who aspired to become doctors, police officers or engineers – careers deemed “normal” and met society’s expectations. While they aimed for conventional paths, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was different, fated for something unique.
When I turned 15, I left my homeland and embarked on a journey to study abroad in the United States, a decision that felt both exhilarating and isolating. My dream was to come to the U.S. as I was inspired by tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook, and my hope was that coming here would provide me with the opportunity to create my own successful business.
However, my background, appearance and clothing style made me distinct, and I was often aware that I was a stranger in a foreign land. The pursuit of my dreams seemed lonely, and I began to question my place in this new world.
However, I soon realized that my uniqueness was not a flaw but a strength that set me apart from the crowd.
High school proved to be a rollercoaster ride, as I attended four different schools in four different cities, starting in Ayutthaya in Thailand, then Fabius in New York, followed by Faribault, Minnesota, and finally, Seattle, Washington.
My love for travel and exploration flourished during this period, and taught me adaptability and resilience. I was on a quest to discover where I could thrive the best, both academically and personally.
My journey took a significant turn when I arrived at Seattle Pacific University, where I began to feel a sense of belonging.
However, just as things were falling into place, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Spring quarter was canceled, and my dream seemed to crumble before my eyes. I was forced to return to Thailand and attend virtual classes at midnight due to the 14-hour time difference.
The isolation, uncertainty, and distance from my dreams took a toll on my mental health. I found myself sinking into depression, with hospital visits becoming more frequent. I lost my appetite and shed over 20 pounds in just two months, reaching a point where I contemplated suicide.
The darkness was overwhelming, but in the midst of despair, I clung to one thing that brought me comfort – YouTube. With newfound determination, I decided to make a difference in my life and the lives of others.
I began creating and sharing videos on TikTok and YouTube under Todsophon to uplift those who, like me, battled depression. I started with making parody songs and posting on TikTok, then gaming videos, mainly Minecraft and Roblox.
It was a great transition, as I realized that gaming could be a powerful tool for building a supporting and inclusive community. My gameplay videos, accompanied by heartfelt commentary, not only entertained but also provided a sense of camaraderie for my viewers.
The response was nothing short of a miracle – people resonated with my content, and my channel began to grow rapidly. I garnered over 900,000 subscribers, and my videos amassed 200 million views in 3 years. My journey took me to unexpected heights. I formed strategic partnerships with top Chinese gaming companies like NetEase, miHoYo (the creators of Genshin Impact) and Miniwan Technology Co..
My uniqueness had become my superpower, allowing me to touch the lives of millions.
Furthermore, the University of Washington invited me as a distinguished guest speaker at their 2023 Biztech Forum, a prestigious event, sharing insights and expertise in the new media field. I established valuable connections with event organizers and fellow speakers, leading to repeat speaking invitations and collaborative projects.
Through the highs and lows, I learned a valuable lesson – being different is not a hindrance but a gift that makes us unique. My journey from loneliness and despair to being a YouTube star taught me that embracing individuality is the key to finding our true purpose. I found my place in a once-alien world, and my message of hope and resilience resonated with countless souls.
Today, I stand proud of my journey, my identity and the path that led me to where I am. I am a living testament to the power of embracing one’s uniqueness and turning adversity into opportunity.
My story is a reminder that no matter how different we may feel, we all have the potential to shine brightly and make a positive impact on the world.