By Emma
My parents have shaped me into the person I am today. They are the two most influential people in my life. My parents teach me everyday by example. I value the ability to listen because my dad’s ability to do so makes me more eager to talk to him. I strive to speak up for myself because I see my mom never afraid to do so. I see my parents sacrifice so much of themselves just as other parents do for their children. Parents are so crucial to providing a child with support and love.
Yet, my culture also shapes how I see the world and what I am passionate about. I am Chinese and living with an Irish, white father and Chinese mother. My mom says that I am definitely my father’s daughter because we both love soup and rock music. My physical traits prove that I am instead my mother’s daughter- our brown almond shaped eyes and our freckles. While I have adopted the habits my dad has and want to learn Cantonese because of my mom, who is from Hong Kong, I find it hard to identify myself to them.
This is because I am adopted.
I have known this ever since I was little and am thankful that my parents told me early. The fact that I am adopted has in many ways influenced me more than my own parents have. I have always wondered what my life may be like had I not been adopted and think about the person I would be. Many people do not suspect that I am because my mom is also Asian. Recently, I have become more open about the fact that I am adopted. While I feel more comfortable because people aren’t asking questions, I am becoming more proud of my identity.
Recently, my mom brought up the possibility of finding my birth parents. This is a journey that I am confident I want to go on. My life is so much better having been adopted and now living in America. I have access to better education. I have opportunities that I wouldn’t have as a young woman growing up in in China. I am lucky to have grown up using chopsticks and eating rice. I am familiar with traditions of the Chinese culture not only because my mom celebrates them, but also because my parents exposed me at an early age. Regardless of this, I hope to meet my birth parents and expand my vision of parents.