Mei-Ling
What does it mean to be Asian American?
I’m very proud of my Asian heritage. The history, the culture, the food, the celebrations, the stories, the commitment to excellence, the reverence for one’s elders, and the importance of family and bringing honor to your family. To be Asian American is to be a living bridge between East and West. To embody interdependence. To be an individual and still respect your roots but not be bound by them.
What do you worry about? My kids and the current state of the world.
What can’t you live without? Solitude.
What brings you joy? Creating and collaborating with creative people.
Ethnic background(s): Chinese and Persian
Current city & state: Chicago, Illinois
What motivates you to do what you do everyday? The possibility that my artistic gifts and unique expression will help illuminate, inspire, and bring joy to people’s hearts. The potential that the stories I’m a part of telling will remind us how deeply connected we are as a human race.
What is your wish for the United States? To step out of victim mentality and take responsibility for the problems we have and the roles we’ve played in creating them. To be able to look at ourselves honestly without shame and blame and work towards unity and equity for all.
What role do you play, or want to play in making that wish come true? I’m doing the inner work, surrounding myself with other people who are likeminded and who want to cultivate peace. Looking for authentic opportunities to connect, serve, and build community. I feel like by embodying what I wish to see in the world, it will ripple out and show that another path is possible and attainable. It’s definitely a process and a practice!
“To be Asian American is to be a living bridge between East and West. To embody interdependence.”
— Mei-Ling, 2023
Mei-Ling with heart locket containing photos of parents, 2023