One of my former students recently gave Mackenzie a beautiful cheongsam. It’s hard to put into words just how deeply this gesture moved me.
Being Chinese American can feel complicated. When I was younger, some of my relatives focused only on my “American” side—so much so that I never received a cheongsam of my own. Meanwhile, some American friends could only see my “Chinese” side. That in-between space often left me feeling like I didn’t fully belong anywhere.
I always felt “less than” in both cultures. It took a long time for me to be proud of all the parts I am, rather than ashamed of all the parts I’m not.
When this student gifted this cheongsam to my half Chinese daughter, she knew exactly what she was doing. She was validating and celebrating our shared Chinese heritage and I love her so much for it.
I will never forget that kindness. And I’ll always be grateful for this small but powerful act of love and recognition.
