Personal Narrative: I Am An Asian American

My parents always wanted to give their children the life they never had. I am Mexican-American, both of my parents immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. before I was born. I have numerous relatives, including my older sister, who do not have the same opportunities I have to achieve success because they are undocumented. For them, college was only a dream that could never be attained. Being the first U.S. citizen out of my entire family affected the way I thought about life. It was expected that I would attend college because I was the only one who had access to all the resources granted to American citizens. Although, I agreed with my family, the pressure to succeed and be a role model to my younger siblings was overwhelming.

In Asian American studies, identity is “a set of characteristics or a description that distinguishes a person or thing from others” (Ho 125). One would have to truly perceive his or her culture, language, beliefs, customs and values in order to be viewed as a distinct person in terms of identity. However, many Asian Americans are often faced with personal struggles when they are finding their own identity. These included the issues of assimilation, and contradictions of race and identity within their family and school life. They may sometimes feel insecure with their identity as Asian Americans due to their position as racial minorities in the Unites States. As a consequence, some would unconsciously reject their identity when their emotions are severely damaged in confronting with unequal treatment or being labeled with the Asian stereotypes. In his article “Distilling My Korean American Identity,” Patrick S.

January 1st, 2001, I was born to be first. Two hours before I was delivered, the University of Washington came first in the Rose Bowl. Being born on such a good day, my parents believed I was a lucky baby. They became convinced that I would have amazing fortune in the future and would come first in all competitions and trials life had for me. However, being first also meant I’d be the first one to face obstacles.

I am a breathtaking, stunning, and outstanding student. I am these things because I know that even before reading this essay, the first thing you read was my name. Most of the faculties that are reading this essay are probably thinking, “oh, it’s another Asian student whose name I’m not sure how to pronounce,” or “that sandwich for lunch was good, I should’ve taken another bite before I came here.” Before anything else, I am Hmong. It’s a subculture that is quite spread throughout Southeast Asia. I was born in Thailand and immigrated to the United States in October 2004. There are seven members in my father’s household. Having a Confucian ideology binded within me, I almost always put my family’s needs before my own. I would tell myself that if something does not benefit me, then I don’t need it. Then on, I hated going shopping like normal girls because I don’t want to burden my family with financial problems. If, however, I needed something, my mom would have already bought them for me. When my older sister entered her senior year in high school, I decided to do all the chores I could in the house. It was demanding and exhausting, but because I decided to do most of the chores, my sister finally had more time to herself and was

I am a spoiled rich kid. I live in an upper middle class town located in one of the prosperous countries in the world. I attend to a competitive school with qualified teachers who care about their students. I have seemingly endless opportunity to participate in my community or gain experience in a job. I have fair skin, living in a world where is being Caucasian is advantageous.

I am an immigrant, originating from Ukraine. I moved here three years ago to take advantage of the “land of the free”. I had heard of the conscription under Russian imperial dictators, such as Tzar Nicolas, and Soviet despots, like Stalin. Fourcing an individual to perform a service, regardless of the cause, seems to be slavery to me. When I found that men in America must register for the draft, in my eyes, “the land of the free” became slightly less free. It is abhorrent that men may be required to enlist in the military, and equally so for women and therefore should not be tied to feredal grants.

I was born in a third-world country. Though my family and I came to the United States when I was 8 months old, there is no disputing the fact that I am an immigrant. By definition, this word “immigrant” only means a person who migrates to another country to live there permanently. However, there is an apparent stigma in this country marking those with such a title like myself. To be looked down upon as an immigrant in a country founded by immigrants either shows the inherent negative stereotypes forced on those from several regions around the world, or the widespread belief that nationalism here is weakening. Both statements are confusing and lacking rationale.

The world is over 196 million square miles that is home to over 7 billion people all with unique qualities and backgrounds. Me being a caucasian living in Lakewood Colorado I lived though the generic lifestyle of a christian. Church every Sunday and quiet family meals were normal for us but what I didn’t realise was that there was a whole world of ethnically and culturally different people just an ocean away.

I am the second oldest of seven children and grew up in a middle class home. My father is Puerto Rican and Dominican and has worked hard to provide my siblings and I with everthing we need. I lived in New England, but moved to Minnesota on my tenth birthday. My parents taught me at a young age to search for my meaning and purpose in life and to use the gifts God has given me not only for my own success, but to service others. My gift of strength quickly made way for world records and winning world championships in powerlifting. I was also a long distance runner but after tearing both meniscuses and requiring surgery I decided to focus more on lifting and throwing. I am an All-American in both the shot put and discus. I am a captain on the track

I bring my background as a first generation Vietnamese-American college student. I grew being the bridge between my family and the English speaking world and American culture by interpreting and translating. That experience alone has shaped me into who I am today. My opinions, my personal skills, everything that makes me. Growing up, my opinions were based on my parents' opinions. They have a traditional mindset because of how they were raise and that is all they know and understand. Part of my thoughts are related to that side but because I am also American, I have an American influence on my thoughts which is more forward thinking and open minded than my Vietnamese and parents' side. Through interpreting and translating for my family, I try

As an African-American women living in a modern society realistically I have a disadvantage over the majority. Those circumstances clearly manifest manifest in passive aggressive ways in my daily life. Ultimately, it trickle down to me going that extra mile to gain everyones approval in order to beat the typical stereotypes. This endless cycle allowed certain people to gain power in control. Meanwhile, as I press to prove my worth my value went down. One day I was reflecting on my life, specifically relationships and I realized that the people I tried to

I am Black or African American, however society wants to call it. Sometimes people that because I am a lighter complexion that I have an advantage and that is definitely not the case. Unfortunately, I can remember the first time I was exposed to racism. I was in Wal-Mart with my mother standing in line and to pass time i was reading the cover of the magazines. A Caucasian lady had the nerve to say "that n***** know how to read!" As a child I didn't understand but my mother was irate. That stuck with me for a while, and it doesn't get any better when you go into stores and you are followed because of the color of your skin. At that moment I was old enough to realize what was going on and I walked out the store. I see now what my parents meant

On the one hand, it is true that is I feel special to be a bicultural person and speak more than one language, and I love the fact that is I am a middle Eastern - American, but on the other hand, I face a numerous of challenges because of my identity for being an American with an Arab roots. Some of the challenges I face are; first racism. Secondly, stereotypes. Finally, keep maintaining the relationship and the value with the family and friends.

I am Japanese and I know that growing up Asian in America could be difficult for some people to do. Many people are still prejudiced towards Asians. I wish that we Asians can have a better life.

I am a twenty-four year old Caucasian/white male. I am six foot tall and weigh 200 pounds. I have short brown hair and my face is clean-shaven. I have hazel eyes with bushy brown eyebrows. I have no tattoos, distinct moles, or birthmarks. I do have a sizeable scar on my left elbow that may be helpful in identifying me.