Teddy Chen -Lackadaisical Lifeguard

Name: Theodore “Teddy” Chen

Age: 25

Species: Anthro Red Panda

Occupation: Life guard

Appearance: Theodore Chen, more commonly known as Teddy by everyone except his parents, is a slightly chubby anthro red panda with fluffy fur that is a mix of red, brown and white. He has a round face with big blue eyes and a button nose. His round stomach is covered in thick white fur that is incredibly soft to the touch. He has a big, fluffy tail that he offers children (and sometimes partners) to snuggle with. His lifeguard uniform consists of a red cap with matching swim shorts that are getting a little snug over his waist, and a whistle on a string around his neck. Teddy's got poor eyesight and needs glasses, though he hasn't bothered getting any.

Personality: Teddy is laid-back and easygoing, with a slightly irresponsible streak. As the lifeguard at the community pool, Teddy carries out his role with a nonchalant attitude, often stretching out on a lounge chair under the sun rather than vigilantly scanning the water. He has been known to get in trouble with his boss, as he sometimes dozes off while on duty, though he claims it’s not a big deal since there’s always more than one lifeguard present at the pool anyway. Teddy has a soft spot for kids, their ability to find joy in the simple things is something he relates to, and the sight and sound of children playing was one of the main reasons he got the job as a lifeguard in the first place.

Unsurprisingly, Teddy loves swimming. He relishes diving into the cool waters, his body becoming weightless as he paddles around lazily. He even enjoys the feeling of his thick fur getting all heavy and soaked when he climbs back out, shaking himself like a wet dog, grinning mischievously as he splashes other passersby. Despite his mischievous tendencies, Teddy's very conflict-averse, and will try to smooth over any confrontation rather than assert himself, sometimes choosing peace over justice.

Born into a traditional Chinese family, Teddy's parents had high expectations for him to excel academically and follow in their footsteps. Teddy’s more into the humble, easy life, though. He prefers to lay back and “Let life do its thing,” which has become his motto in a way. Despite his heritage, he speaks little to no Mandarin, as he quit learning the second his parents stopped forcing him to.

Backstory: From an early age, Teddy was enchanted by the simple joys of life: the laughter of children playing outside, the soothing ripples of a pool's surface, and the warm sun that beckoned him to stretch out and savor the moment. While his parents pushed him to excel in his studies, Teddy often daydreamed of afternoons spent lounging by the water, thriving in an atmosphere of carefree joy.

After a particularly stressful year of exams, Teddy decided to take a summer job as a lifeguard at the community pool, a choice that was met with a mix of incredulity and disappointment at home. Teddy approached his role with his signature nonchalance, viewing the job less as a responsibility and more as an extension of his playful nature. Despite the occasional reprimands from his boss for dozing off on the job, Teddy’s genuine love for the kids and the water overshadowed any disapproval. Each day, as he lounged on his chair, the sun warming his fur, he would lazily observe the visitors, watching the joy on their faces as they relaxed by his pool, a contended smile on his lips.

His parents, while initially apprehensive, slowly began to recognize the glow that surrounded Teddy when he spoke about his work. Eventually, they learned to accept his philosophy of “Let life do its thing,” realizing that their son’s happiness stemmed from his approach to living in the moment rather than conforming to expectations. They found a certain pride in their son’s ability to bring smiles, even if it came from a place devoid of traditional ambition.