Mar was raised by what he calls “Old Chinese” parents with a culture very familiar with fulfilling the parent’s desires academically and professionally, which caused an immense amount of stress and pressure when it came to decision making. To think of what I wanted was very foreign to me.” “You think of other people and fulfilling what their desires are. “She asked me the question, ‘What do you love to do?’ and this really paused me because in Chinese philosophy I don’t think that way,” Mar said. Mar said that even today, he remembers how impactful meeting with a helpful and kind-hearted counselor was for him. This led him to meet with a Sacramento City College counselor to explore his options. He said he worried that if he continued into the profession things would collapse. Straight out of El Camino High School, Mar was accepted to the University of California, Berkeley to study engineering, but declined the offer and instead enrolled in Sacramento City College.Īs an engineering major, Mar said he felt like he was a bit misguided and was struggling with some of his required courses. Those two will give you happiness in the future,” he said reflecting on how one encounter with a counselor at Sacramento City College changed his entire perspective on higher education. “Students mainly need to hear to follow their heart and to follow their curiosity. American River,” believes his work as a counselor, and helping students gain clarity and direction, was fulfilling his destiny and true passion. Retired American River College counselor James Mar, also known as “Mr. James Mar Alum & Emeriti / 2019 / Shown with fellow alum Luba Pislar / American River Collegeįor students entering college for the first time, usually the main goal is to discover purpose and go on to find success. > Watch on Youtube to see James painting.'The memorable moments for me were when I got to watch each student fulfill their dreams and find what truly makes them happy.' …PLUS, I was able to ask James some of the questions you sent us!

…and James’ golden tip on how to get your values right!.

Avoiding overwhelm when learning how to paint.

After teaching himself how to paint at the age of 22, James became a living legend in the art industry. A master of colour and light, Dinotopia creator James Gurney requires no introduction.

James gurney original art for sale