“CORONADO GRADUATE DISPLAYS

PASSION FOR ASIAN CULTURE”

For 11 days Dallas Taylor will take a break from his quest to discover the roots of Chinese philosophy. The Coronado high School graduate (Class of 2008) is in Coronado visiting his parents and siblings on a brief sojourn from his studies in Hong Kong.

He discovered an intense interest in Chinese philosophy while attending San Francisco State University and taking Judo classes. An opportunity arose to live in China as a foreign exchange student for a semester, and the 6’2”, ponytailed Taylor jumped at the chance.

Dallas Taylor, left, is seen here with his father Ted, manager at McP’s Irish Pub, and Dallas’ twin brother

Teddy. He has just returned from Hong Kong to spend some time with his family. Photo by Joe Ditler.

Last year he began studying the language, and one semester abroad turned into two. His passionate interest in Chinese culture and philosophy caught the eye of one of his professors, who arranged for Taylor to receive a scholarship to continue to study in Taiwan.

“I hope to graduate from San Francisco State next year with my BA in philosophy and a minor in Pacific Asian studies,” said Taylor. I plan to take a year off and teach English in Taiwan before returning to fulfill my Masters program.”

At only 21 years of age, Dallas Taylor isn’t so concerned with the end result of all of this traveling, education, and cultural immersion. He likens his journey to stepping outside of himself and watching and enjoying each step of the way, regardless of the destination.

“This experience has given me an entirely new attitude,” he said. “Every step and every breath bring me closer to a better understanding of this incredible culture. It’s given me an entirely new perspective on life. Where will it take me? I don’t know. I can foresee my next four years as I pursue my Masters, but for now I’m just enjoying the path I’m on. I’m sure I’ll recognize my destination when I see it.”

An ancient Chinese proverb says, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Ask Dallas Taylor, and he’ll tell you that he’s found something extremely beautiful, and it’s on the other side of the world.