I Am Who I Say I Am
I Am Who I Say I Am
Fully Mixed: A Change in Perspective
When I first started writing this article, I began recounting all the racist encounters I had with non-Asian folks in Germany. My classmates referring to the Onigiri (rice balls) I had for packed lunch as “smelly brains”, asking me whether I could speak Chinese, and telling me I was “pretty even though I’m Asian”. I would respond “I’m only half Japanese”, clinging onto my German side as much as possible. I thought about the amount of time I spent in front of the mirror trying to make myself look more White.
To Be Seen As I See Myself
Last autumn, in a time before Covid, I was strolling the streets of Italy. It was my first time traveling outside of the United States. I was all by myself, with only a handful of memorized Italian phrases to aid me. And it was spectacular.
Half Ostrich
I once ran across a reaction to a poem. It’s strange to think that I’m exactly like this discovery, I’ve been filtered not once but twice or three times.
The Re-examination of Racial Identity
Lately, I’ve been feeling like a little fish living her life in a great, round fish bowl. Now I know that sounds far-fetched and strange, but let’s say I’m a fish. I know I’m not; I’m a fine, living breathing human.
The Power of a Name
My parents chose a beautiful, Sanskrit name for me. I loved the way it sounded as a small child. I loved that the meaning it carried symbolized clouds and purity. It connected me to rain, to storms, and nature. I was proud of those seven letters.
My mother was a diplomat too even if she was just a housewife
Having the chance to live in a diplomatic household, I’ve had the privilege of traveling and living abroad. I also had to tell my friends of my life’s story of how I was able to live abroad and why I took International Relations as my master’s degree.