Where are you from? Why did you choose to immigrate to America? What were some of your hopes that you believed you could achieve in America?

My father was born and raised in Shanghai, China. During the cultural revolution, his family was classified as one of the “five black categories” because his maternal grandparents were once business owners. Because of this, his family was split apart. His maternal grandfather was sent to the rural areas of China to perform hard labor, whilst his grandmother had to remain in the city alone. His family status also caused him to be refused from kindergarten. However, despite the hardships, my dad worked hard and excelled in his studies, and he ended up receiving a college opportunity in China. After earning his undergraduate degree at the Fudan University in Shanghai, my dad began his government-assigned job. His job sent him to Singapore to learn more and exchange knowledge, and it was there that he decided he wanted to travel to America. As a computer scientist, he aspired to learn more about technology and create a better future for himself, and he believed he could do just that in America.

How did you immigrate to America? What were some challenges you faced on the way to obtaining your green card? Citizenship?

In Singapore, he applied for university in America and for a student visa to travel to the USA. Using every penny he owned and borrowing money from his college professor, my dad finally had enough to come to the US. This was the beginning to a long journey in waiting for his green card, and five years after until he could take his citizenship test.

How did you feel when you left your home and everything you’ve ever known?

He set off to America in high spirits, as a young man, excited to see what the world can bring. 

What were some challenges culturally and socially that you faced when first arriving?

Despite the language barrier, he took every opportunity he could to practice his English. He became a teaching assistant while at university to obtain more experience in speaking and listening English. American culture is also very different from Chinese culture. As a foreigner, it took my dad some time to acclimate to the American pop culture and food culture.

Has immigrating to America lived up to your expectations?

Immigration comes with ups and downs. One misses their family, the country they grew up in, their friends, but there is an opportunity to make new friends, create new memories, have a lasting impact on a new community. Moving to America, my dad missed out on the great technological advancements China has made in recent years, but he was able to have other successes in life, and he had two children, which is something that was not allowed in China up until very recently.

What are some of the best aspects of your life in America?

From China to America, from coding to teaching Chinese, all of these things shape my father’s life, but nothing defines him. He has worked relentlessly for all of his life to create a better future for himself and his children. My dad is American, and he is also Chinese. He is a hard worker, a great father, and an inspiration. I am proud to have both my Chinese heritage and my American nationality.