What is your wish for the United States? That it learns how to prioritize the strengths and opportunities of working as a community or as a collective versus individualization thinking. (Ubuntu - "I Am Because We Are.") And although I am not as optimistic as I once was when I was younger, my wish is that this country learns to value all races, cultures, communities, people - but I also know "now" as an adult, there are centuries of built up hatred, trauma, that before my time existed...and what we experience everyday and witness as the byproduct of that. Can it change? I still hope so.

What role do you play, or want to play in making that wish come true? I will continue to strive to be someone who chooses to listen better, empathizes more, and find compassion in all my interactions. If I choose to love others everyday of my life, however I can, by trying my best...I feel that is the first step to a greater society and hopefully can be role-model for others to follow.

Anything else you’d like to say about being Asian American? I'd like to say, learn more about your history, learn about others history. Learn about your culture, learn about others cultures. Be open to all stories and recognize the similarities and differences. Honor, respect, all.

And if you at some point in your life find struggle in your identity, because you are Asian American, I'd like to encourage you to know it's okay, and regardless of your pain and suffering, always find a way to love yourself. Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not fear to question, and always strive to be more and more comfortable in the uncomfortable. Have those conversations, talk and learn from those closest to you, and recognize your truth and honor it...always. Know that your way of thinking is as beautiful if not more beautiful than the ones you grew up thinking at one time.

Get out there and travel! Learn...see the world, outside of what you know or think you know...I wish for all of us who struggle to find our identities to always travel, learn, and grow. Never stop growing and keep moving.