Research and Planning Analyst
Institutional Research

My Heritage is an exploration of the diverse backgrounds on campus through profiles of faculty, staff, and students. Presented in a question and answer format, these profiles reveal an interesting side of people on campus who share rich and diverse stories of personal heritage.

Q: What is your ethnic background?

A: I am of Chinese descent.

Q: Did your parents live there, move here, and raise you in the United States?

A: My dad is an American — first-born generation, born in New York City. My grandparents — his parents — arrived from Canton, China with five girls in tow. The last three children were born in America, so they had an interesting mix of accents in their house. The oldest two girls, who spent the most time in China, barely could speak English. The next three daughters, who immigrated here when they were quite young, were exposed to the best of both worlds. They could speak Cantonese and English interchangeably. The last three children (my dad included) knew English quite well, but struggled with Cantonese.

My mom is an immigrant, arriving in the U.S. when she was 17 years old. She was raised primarily in Hong Kong, Her family had to evacuate China during the Manchurian War, when the Japanese took occupancy for a time. My grandparents (my mom's parents) had to evacuate the country and head to Hong Kong. There was a lot of chaos during this period, as others were trying to escape as well. My family could only take what they could carry, and the journey was much too hard. Unfortunately, my grandparents had to leave two children behind. We still do not know where my mom's lost siblings are, or if they are alive.

My parents finally met and married. Rumor has it that they could barely communicate with each other initially. However, they obviously managed. They did raise four daughters, all born in the U.S.

Q: What customs and pastimes are common in your parents' country of origin?

A: Let me share one of my favorites. The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the fifteenth day of the Eighth Moon. Its popularity and participation for the young is second only to the New Year Festival.

During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), Chinese leaders took up the practice of watching the moon. This day is set aside just for this purpose. People travel to high places to make sure they have a good view of the moon. Traditionally, children carried lanterns of animal shapes lit by candles.

Now, the lanterns are found in every shape and material imaginable. Lanterns in the shape of dogs, cats, airplanes, yachts, speedboats, pictures of gods, sharks and assorted fish are sold at very reasonable prices at Chinese department stores and in market stalls.

As darkness approaches, the hills of Hong Kong and the beaches are shimmering with the glow of lantern lights. It seems as though a sprinkling of stars have descended on Hong Kong. This night is an event no one should miss. It is an evening for children of all ages.

"Mooncakes" are also an important part of the festivities. Many years ago in the 14th Century, a revolt against the Mongols developed. Messages of the revolution were written on paper, then baked into the cakes. The secret messages were smuggled to the revolutionists. Things are much tamer now, and the mooncakes are given to friends and relatives during the festival. These pastries are a mixture of ground lotus, mashed beans, sesame seeds, and dates.

Lantern festival is a magical time for the young as they carry their lamps, lighting the way for adults to pay their respects to the moon. It is a Chinese festival in which children of all nationalities take part.

Q: Are you a speaker of the language?

A: No. Very unfortunately not. And, this I do regret. But, I did take a Cantonese course in college… does that count?

Q: What is your definition of diversity?

A: Let me start with a story. I have cousins, on my Mom's side of the family, who speak Cantonese fluently. They do speak English, but there's a hint of an accent, influenced by their upbringing. When my immediate family would get together with that part of the family, we were considered the outsiders. My point is — yes, my cousins and I looked the same, in terms of race and yes, there is that stereotype. However, my cousins and my immediate family were light years apart in how we were raised, in terms of contrasting cultural references.

In terms of diversity, I feel we should never consider race as the only component. There really are so many pieces to it — too many to list here. I believe it's important to remind ourselves of this. I'll stress my point again. Just because we look the same… does not mean we really are, underneath it all.

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