A favorite story about adapting to life in America:

My parents came to America to further their education. They started a family and for their children, they wanted the best that America could offer. They did their best to instill Chinese traditions, at the same time allow us to “fit in” to American life. This made me who I am, a Chinese American who has never been to China but can speak Chinese. Among my favorite foods are dumplings, tofu, noodles, grilled cheese sandwiches and baked potato. I have a deep love and respect for my family and my blended culture and I endeavor to pass this on to generations to come.

On feeling truly American:

As an English tutor to people who come from different countries, I realize how very American I am. Especially when phrases such as “where’s the beef?”, “just say no”, or TV shows like “Happy Days”, “Laverne and Shirley” or fads like “troll dolls”, “beanie babies” and a “whatchamacallit” candy bar don’t register any meaning to the students in my class. Also, growing up as a first generation American born Chinese, I was often reminded of being American by my own family. Our grandparents generation called us “wai guo ren” (foreigner) and at home, our parents forbade speaking English and eating Macaroni and Cheese.

On feeling not fully American:

Growing up in a 99% Caucasian community, I always felt different. I remember thinking how ugly I was compared to the popular blond hair, blue-eyed girls in school. It was also hurtful to be called “chink”. The first time I heard it, I was in 4th grade. I wasn’t sure what it meant but I knew it was bad because it made me feel bad and ashamed.

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