New York, NY
I’m 14th generation Taiwanese, 2nd generation Taiwanese American. My ancestors left the Fujian province in the early 16th century and found their way to Taichung, Taiwan.
Who are you?
I am always wanting. If that makes any sense? I am always wanting to do better, be better, and have the best. I am female, 25 and a Midwestern transplant in New York City. I am aspirational – seeking to find / see / understand the mysteries that lay in this world – as cheesy as that may sound. I am a Michigan graduate (Go Blue!) who majored in anthropology and Japanese studies. I love to explore, and I love to try and experience new things. I have a bad case of “wanderlust;” I always want to travel. Not only that, I always want to eat.
What do you do?
I’m a magazine marketer by day, foodie, adventure-seeker & wannabe New Yorker / photographer / writer by night.
As a magazine marketer, I work for Time Inc.’s Consumer Marketing division for Fortune, Money and Real Simple magazines (look for my name in the masthead!) My life is full of analysis, excel, and trouble-shooting.
As a foodie, adventure-seeker & wannabe New Yorker / photographer / writer, I am always seeking to create as many memories as possible. The best meal I’ve ever had, the best trip I’ve taken, or the photographs and writings I create are all near and dear to my heart.
Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?
I’m 14th generation Taiwanese, 2nd generation Taiwanese American. My ancestors left the Fujian province in the early 16th century and found their way to Taichung, Taiwan. Nearly 500 years later, my parents left Taiwan for America.
For my family to have such strong roots in Taiwan completely amazes me. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to appreciate what it meant to be Taiwanese American.
From countless trips back to piles of research projects that I’ve done on the island has only made me prouder to be Taiwanese.
What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?
I hope, dream, cross my fingers, throw salt over my shoulder, etc. that one day there will be solidarity amongst Taiwan, Taiwanese, Taiwanese Americans, etc.
It truly saddens me that so many people can be torn over two colors (pan-green/pan-blue). If it explains anything: my dad is pan-blue and my mom is pan-green and we never, EVER, discuss politics in my household.
Everyone seeks solidarity, but no one could use it more than a nation torn down the middle.
Any additional information you would like to share?
I’ve lived in Taiwan at two points in my life – once to study and once to work. Both times I had to climb mountains to either get home or go to work. This is ridiculous, why on earth is Taipei so mountainous!?
Leave a Reply