My Reflection

I was adopted from China when I was only 12 months old. Growing up in Connecticut, I always felt like I did not fit in, because I lived in a predominantly white town. I was fortunate to live in an affluent place, with a loving family, but I always felt like I was struggling with my own identity. I felt like I didn't have as strong a connection with any culture. My mother was from Ireland, and my father was Italian, so I inherited a mix of culture and traditions. I fell in love with the breathtaking scenery in Ireland, and I can certainly hold my father responsible for my love of cooking and love of eating (especially pasta!). 

 

As children, we are blind to the larger issues of the world, and this sheltering at a young age is to protect us, and allow us to grow up feeling safe and loved. I always knew I was unique, and my mom taught me at a young age to be proud that I am a Chinese American. In all honesty, I never thought about it while I was a child. My appearance didn't change the way I learned in school, or how I played with my friends outside, so I thought I was the same as everyone else. That was until a girl sitting in front of me at church was making fun of my appearance, by pulling her eyes back to make them look more slender. I cried to my mother because although I had never experienced racial discrimination before, and I am sure the other girl did not have such evil intentions, it was the first time a stranger was trying to tell me I was not like everyone else. I felt hurt and confused because I was being made fun of for something I could not have changed, but it helped me to become more aware and respectful of people's differences.

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Coming to UF, my eyes were opened to how much diversity we have in this country. I was finally able to learn about not only Chinese culture, but many other cultures as well, with their own fascinating aspects. Learning about Chinese culture was bittersweet for me at first. I was so excited to be learning about the culture, the food, and the language, but a part of me still felt like an outcast. I still felt like I was not the same as some of the friends I had made in these organizations. They grew up with Asian parents. I didn't. They grew up eating traditional dishes. I didn't. And I haven't even traveled to China since my adoption. Was I turning my back on my culture? I wanted too badly to be a part of a community, but I felt like I was forcing myself into this one. I developed a passion for learning about other cultures. I took courses in anthropology and linguistics, to learn how different countries have such different cultures and how many of them have brought a unique perspective to the United States.

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I always knew I wanted to study abroad during my time at college, but I had no preference for where in the world I wanted to go. I had been able to visit several European countries as a kid, so it was easy to choose Ireland as my first choice. Then, due to COVID, that program was canceled. I could have decided to study abroad a different semester, but I was so set on getting out and exploring the world, that I did research on several Asian countries that had fewer restrictions. South Korea was never at the top of my mind as an option, but traveling there was one of the most amazing and eye-opening experiences I have had in my life. I was overwhelmed by the flourishing culture that occurs on every street down every block. I was able to learn about Korean culture & language, all while exploring the different districts in Seoul on my own. I fell in love with the scenery, where the city barriers meet the mountain ranges, and became a master of navigating their public transportation. Something that surprised me was that I still did not fit in, not even close. I still got stared at by the civilians, and I learned that I will stand out in any homogenous society of which I am not a part. I learned that I can't force myself to be a part of any community, I have to appreciate my identity while respecting and appreciating others as well. I developed cultural competencies I could have learned in college, and I was able to become far more adaptable to new situations, which is something that I can bring with me to any career. 

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After arriving back in the States, I was sad that my time abroad was over. I wanted to continue learning more about other cultures, so I am constantly trying to read articles about current events in other countries, and I have become much more active in several multicultural organizations. I also decided to become a Global Ambassador for the organization through which I studied abroad. I learned things I would have never learned by traveling abroad, so when I was asked to promote study abroad opportunities to other prospective students I could not refuse. I am able to develop my cultural competencies, share my experiences abroad, and help others find programs that suit their needs the best. I love being able to work with students and find specific programs that align with their personal and professional goals while increasing accessibility to study abroad opportunities for students of all socioeconomic demographics. 

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In the future, I plan to work for a company that strives to build global partnerships and prioritizes inclusivity and diversity as core company values. I am interested in pursuing my MBA, but I would love to work in international diplomacy at some point in my life. I have developed an interest in global or transnational issues, and I would like to apply my business knowledge to help solve global problems. I am passionate about advocating for awareness and appreciation of other cultures. I have been helping teach English to foreign students for a couple of years, and I hope to continue doing that after I graduate. I also hope to continue traveling to new and different countries, to further broaden my perspectives. I have seen my ability to be more flexible and open-minded flourish now in interviews, and group discussions and I cannot wait to take on my first career with this newfound skillset. Studying abroad is such a rewarding and challenging experience, and I cannot encourage others enough to do it.