I’ve always been interested in world-building, so for my project, I’ve mapped out and explored the stories of four key places in a world I will use to explore nuanced identity.
We wanted to present our generational stories to look for connections across various women’s experiences throughout time. We compared the expectations our society imposed on women in our families, including traditions, female stereotypes, and norms.
As a Chinese American, growing up in a predominately white environment was challenging towards my identity—especially at school. As I get older, I am able to appreciate the beauty of my culture.
Throughout my childhood, I noticed differences between my friends and myself—their experiences, senses of home, family structures. I desired normalcy, yet my culture, my family and I… we thrived in the differences.
Family expectations. Fear. Uncertainty. Some of the many negative thoughts that flow in a teenager’s mind. Cue art, a community, a tool, and a coping mechanism that changed a girl’s life.
In this personal statement, I reflect on how suffering alters the way we see the people around us, and how that phenomenon ended up playing a big part in my life.