While on the road, she continued taking academic classes at community colleges. She was inspired by The Joy Luck Club to pursue film acting and after leaving Miss Saigon, Matiko returned to Los Angeles to pursue it.
During her travels, she kept taking classes at community colleges.  The book "The Joy Luck Club" motivated her to pursue a career in film acting, leading her to return to Los Angeles after leaving "Miss Saigon" to pursue this goal.