Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Cu.
Hi Jonathan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have a very unique story that includes losing over 130 lbs., my nursing career, and my ongoing cosplay journey. I am not exactly sure where to begin, but I can start with my weight loss. I grew up in a small town of Long beach, Mississippi in a Vietnamese-American household. My mom LOVED (and still loves) to feed me as I am one of three boys in the family. I basically have struggled with weight issues my whole life, but in college I started drinking alcohol heavily and got over 280 lbs. when I stopped weighing myself. I became depressed, was addicted to playing video games all day, food, and blasting alcohol. At that time I had no job and sat around eating takeout all day. After hanging out with my best friend one day and realizing I was accomplishing nothing but feeding my addictions. I decided I was going to do something with my life. In short, I started walking a little a day (as much as I could tolerate) then I started weight training as well about an hour a day. After losing about 130 lbs. and having my weight stable, I decided to have the loose skin surgery removal on my abdomen as I had a lot of loose skin from my weight loss. During my weight loss journey I also started working at a small coffee shop and applied to nursing school. I got into an accelerated online program graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington, and I have since become a pediatric registered nurse.
My cosplay journey; shortly after finishing my master’s in nursing and after going through a bad split. One of my patient’s teacher’s recommended I go to a local Comicon, which I decided to attend to somewhat “get myself back into the world.” I immediately fell in love with the community and cosplaying. I started doing social media as a content creator and began to make a name for myself in the cosplay community!. At one of my first conventions I also met my spouse Crystal. After getting to know each other more, eventually dating, I decided to propose to her on stage at one of her favorite conventions! It was featured on a few news stations, and we still cosplay together to this day!
I currently have just moved to Houston, Texas where me and my fiancé Crystal are planning our wedding. We love to cosplay and have since started working for various companies who hire us for our cosplay and networking skills at these conventions and other events. We also continue to promote health and fitness through our social media. Life has been pretty crazy to say the least, but I am happy and proud to be where I am today!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel my story has so many elements to it, it is very hard to condense all the struggles.
With my food addiction, alcohol addiction, there was being over 280 lbs. and jobless at one point in my life.
I mentioned previously how I got through some of those struggles and I am trying to condense it somewhat as to not bombard everyone with too much information!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a Pediatric Home Health Nurse. I work with families with children with special needs that require nursing care. I often go to school with some patients and it is a very challenging, but rewarding job! I have also finished my master’s in nursing and when I pass my board exam I shall be a licensed family nurse practitioner. I plan to continue working in pediatrics as I feel it is my calling in life, children are the best! I want to say what sets me apart from others is my passion for helping others stay motivated in health and fitness. I also incorporate a lot of humor in my cosplays motivating others to join in on the fun! Life is fun and I feel it should be treated as such!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
To be honest I don’t consider myself much of a risk taker, but my personality has always been the one to jump in the pool first or to take the first shot at something so other people may feel comfortable. I love talking, networking, and meeting people, which seems to be an understatement to anyone that knows me. I do feel, however, in life you must take some risks or you will fail to make the most out of life. I believe in this world everything needs to be in balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.cu.39
- Instagram: Jonathan_Cu
Image Credits
Crystal Hernandez
