Life from Across the Ocean

	Growing up across the ocean meant that the outcome and process of life would be different than those who grew up on this side of the ocean. This could mean that I would have harder time adjusting to a new environment, or it could mean that I can bring a new perspective to those on this side of the ocean. Growing up in China, that phrase, could mean so much to so many different people. The common stereotypes, the common misconceptions, the negative thoughts, they’re all there. But there are quite a few that accepts that this is who you are, accepts that you are from another place and at our cores we are all American, and most importantly that we are all human. Yet, the ones that stick out are those who can’t accept who you are because of the way you look. Yes, I am not the typical white, that is common to most here, but I am still human. I am 6 feet tall, with a pretty strong build, I grew up playing basketball at a national level, and won Badminton in the Asia Pacific Region. I am just as athletic as most of the people here, but why not pass to me on the court, why not pick me earlier to join your team? Oh, I get it, it’s because I look different. And that’s why I am here. “What you realize is that connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, this is what it’s all about.” ( “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown - Moreau FYE Week 1) I believe I am responsible, along with everyone out there, to show that just because we look different, does not mean that I am any less talented or smart than you; and definitely do not call my people poor, because that is where I can shock you (VIA Institute on Character Adult Survey – Moreau FYE Week 2). 

	Yes, I grew up in China, but that does not mean that I am uncultured. I grew up in an international school, I can speak English better than most people here, and no that does not mean that we had special teachers that taught us how to pronounce these words. I grew up with American teachers, learning the same AP material as people did here. Got 5’s on most of them too. Okay, I am now done proving a point that we should be equal. But I still deal with racism, I guess this is how society is, but that does not mean that this is how it has to be the entire time (Searching for Framework – Moreau FYE Week 3). 

	Having this class of Moreau is honestly a blessing. I am the only Asian in the class, but that is not the blessing I am talking about. I am talking about how I have the opportunity to voice. My opinions freely, and really tell the story of my life. I love telling my story, but moreover, I like listening to other people telling their story. I love listening to other people’s stories because they are just as important as my own. And definitely, the point isn’t to compare our lives, but rather to gain another perspective, and to learn more about other people and their stories. Especially since I grew up in a rather traditional Chinese family household, where the expectation for grades were A’s and unlimited amounts of extracurriculars to seem that I have all the soft and hard skills, my roots are formed around them. Like I’ve stated in previous QQCs my grandparents are a big part of my roots (Where I’m from – Moreau FYE Week 6). They did not grow up wealthy, they grew up in poverty, so achieving outstanding grades and being super athletic and well-built was just unheard of. This is why I value them so much, they taught me that the way to I’ve a life is to be happy, and learn how to be happy and healthy. Because at the end of the day, to them, if you can live a healthy and happy life, then you have accomplished the most important task that most people nowadays cannot complete. That’s why they kept on emphasizing that the ranking of important things in life goes: 1) Health, 2) Education, 3) Everything else. (Searching for Life- Giving Relationships – Moreau FYE Week 4) Those are the three principles I grew up on. But these three principles are not what my parents wanted me to have; especially my dad. Even though my dad would always say that he also has the same principles in that order of ranking. But in reality, it was always: 1) Education, 2) Health, 3) Everything else. These are the principles that he made sure I knew that he wanted. So, when I couldn’t satisfy my grades, and actually get the good grade, he would often sacrifice my healthy – mentally. This is where the parts of my mom, my grandparents, and my brother came in. But in particular, I want to talk about my brother and the impact he had on me. 

	My brother was honestly a big reason of why I am who I am today. My parents, were what you could call “tiger parents”, and my brother knew exactly what to do when situations get rough. He is 5 and a half years older than me so he has been through everything that I am now currently going through. (Identifying Narratives – Moreau FYE Week 5) Both my junior and senior year of high school, I was struggling hard. Junior year with all the APs I took, and then senior year with all the applications I had to do. My dad would always give me a hard time and push me to the edge. But my brother was always there for me. He was not as strict as my dad, as he also valued health and being happy over destroying yourself with education. He was the person that helped me through the thick and the thins. 

	These are my roots from across the Ocean. As you can see, it isn’t much different, is it? Maybe the educational rigor that my parents had for me were way harder than one may have in the US, but everything else still turned out to be pretty similar. I ended up at Notre Dame, I am capable of competing in athletics at the highest level. I’m a Hesburgh-Yusko scholar, along with a Greater China Scholar. I am capable, so don’t ever look at me, or anyone who looks like me – differently (Identifying Perspective – Moreau FYE Week 7).