Meet magician and CWU alumni, Nash Fung, who performed his magic show for homecoming on Oct. 17. Fung’s performance combines the art of magic with the art of motivational speaking to engage and inspire audiences all around the world to chase their dreams and accomplish their goals.  

Q: What inspired you to combine magic with motivational speaking?

A: This is going to be a long answer because it was a long journey. I think my experience at CWU definitely planted a seed. There was an inspirational speaker, Derek Greenfield, at our welcome week that truly transformed my attitude and inspired me to give 100% effort. It made me wonder how amazing it’ll be if I can also impact others lives positively. And when CWU brought in mentalist Craig Karges during my sophomore year, it empowered me to believe I can also make magic a full time career: which is a pursuit I’ve dedicated to since graduation.

From pursuing magic as a career, I learned the tremendous values of being persistent, leading with curiosity, and the power of asking “what if” no matter how crazy our ideas/goals might seem. Though the lessons and messages are powerful, they must be delivered in an engaging manner or the listeners will not feel connected with them. That’s why I believe magic is the perfect vehicle because the lessons were rooted in magic, and it is a form of storytelling that’ll engage the audiences.

Above all, I think what Derek & Craig showed me were possible at CWU were the seeds that led to the full bloom of my approach today.

Q: How do you define success?

A: Efforts. When you can be honest with yourself knowing that you have given 100% of your efforts, success or failure of your pursuit is no longer important.

Having absolutely zero regrets at the end of the day is the ultimate success.

Q: What has been your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

A: So many. But Tokyo, Japan is definitely on top of my list. 

Otherwise my hometown, Hong Kong, because home is always special. 

Q: What’s your favorite T.V show?

A: I don’t watch a lot of TV, but “Breaking Bad” is by far my favorite in terms of character development. Subsequently, “Better Call Saul” has been almost equally amazing!

Q: What’s your favorite sport?

A: Basketball. Though sadly after rupturing my patella tendon 2 years ago, I could no longer play.

To watch? GO HAWKS (and also come back ASAP R.W.3 ).