Interview #1
My first interview is of a Chinese American who was born in China, before coming to America.
Q: Where were you born?
A: My grandparents on both sides lived in Liaoning, China. My parents were also married there and had seven daughters--including me.
Q: Why did you come to the United States?
A: Well, My dad came to the United States to make way for the rest of us to come. We finally did in March of 1979 when I just turned 3. So I have grown up in San Francisco all my life. My father drove a cab without a day off for several years and my mother worked in a sweatshop knitting clothes on a machine and then sewing details by hand.
Q:How did you like it here, in California?
A: Most of my youngest memories are here..and I recall having fun with many of the girls in the area as my mother's machine would continously buzz in the background. My childhood memories were quite pleasant..
Q: There were no cultural conflicts between you and your parents?
A: Well, there was..but nothing too serious. My parents started their own business and eventually put all of us through school; that was their American dream.They probably would have preferred that I study computer science rather than cognitive science, but that was about it. My family has always kept their cultural roots intact. We learned Chinese at home and I can speak Cantonese fluently. Unfortunately, my reading and writing skills aren't too strong (laughs)
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: I went to Berkeley, so I was not too far away. My older sister was there also, so my parents were fine with us living away for some time.
Q: How was your college experience?
A: It was quite enjoyable. I must add that it was during this stage that I began wanting to know more about my culture. I guess it was the age when most young adults "search" for their identity and since I was not at home as
often..I began to take classes on Chinese culture...
Q: Did you learn a lot from those experiences?
A: Absolutely. Although, I think I was always interested in learning about my culture. I can probably say the same for my siblings. Even though we were easily able to assimilate into American culture we never felt the need to abandon our roots. For example, every now and then I catch myself watching Mandarin dramas on television with my parents. It's a great way to connect.
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