Interview # 3
Q:When did you come to California?
A: I came to California to do my masters at UC Davis in 1995. I was born in Taiwan, but I was adopted so I do not know much about my birth parents. I grew up in China for the first twenty five years of my life.
Q:How did you like it here?
A: It was different..most difficult was the food. I was used to having home food and had to learn how to cook on my own (smiles). It was not too bad when I went to visit friends who's families lived in the Bay Area. I can speak English--enough to communicate. It took me some time to fully understand the lingo.
Q:Why did you come to California?
A: Well, I came here to further my studies. I did not think that I would settle down here. My parents regret that I only go back to visit and not live their permanently. It's also difficult for them to understand why I have not married either.
Q:Are there any cultural conflicts?
A: Maybe. In the fourteen years that I have lived here..I've grown to adapt to the American Culture. Sometimes you can tell that I am not born and raised here, my English sounds a little different. Otherwise, I am very American. But that does not mean I have forgotten my culture. I still visit China every year, but now I am thinking of going back.
Q:Going back? To live their permanently?
A: Yes, to live their permanently. I don't think this thought would have ever crossed my mind, but after being laid off this past January..I have been thinking about it for a while. I used to work for Deloitte in San Jose. I've been living here since 2000 and it has been wonderful, but now the economy is bleak. Luckily, I do not have a family to worry about but my parents in China worry all the time.
Q:What do they worry about?
A: Well, they are worried that their only son is jobless in America! They tell me, "How can that be? It's the place of opportunity.." but these are just bad times. I don't know when it well end and so I've decided to visit in January. I'll see if there are any opportunities there.
Q: Well, I've actually heard that there are some great opportunities in China now..and many people who have lost their jobs are thinking of going back..
A:Yes, that sounds correct. Right now, America is not what it was like when I first came here. I remember the dot.com bust..but I have never seen it get this bad. Even with a high level of education you are unable to get a job. I think its very sad especially for individuals who have families.
Q:From your fourteen years of experience in California, how would you describe it in just a few words?
A: Well, for me it was a life changing experience. I came here for school, but I had to learn more than just academics. I learned how to live on my own and balance two different cultures. For my parents and me also getting an education was the first priority. That is why I was sent here. I liked my college experience. Working life was exciting too, but very tiring. Life in America is very stressful. Although I wish I could find a new job soon, the thought of going back home is not so bad.
Q:Have they seen a change in you? Your parents?
A: Yes, they say I've become too "American," which is interesting because I did become a U.S. citizen a few years back. So, technically I am American. It may be just my habits..I like to do things on my own. I have the tendency to speak in English, although I still speak Cantonese fluently.
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