Opportunity in Hardships
by Irene Park
Everyone faces challenges at some point of their life, and it’s no different for Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders; from single-stories to more. Yet, this heritage also represents a door of possibilities.
When someone says Asian American and Pacific Islander, there is usually a stereotypical image that comes to mind. With those few words, one might instinctively create a personality for that person without even getting to know them first. Oh, you are Japanese. You must love anime then! They would think that just because we have another culture to our name, we are completely of that culture. However, as the author, Ijeoma Oluo said, “When we say ‘Asian American’ we are talking about so much more than can be fit in a single stereotype.” This heritage is important, yes, but as an American, it isn’t the only part of our identity. As a Korean-American, I have experienced moments in the past when someone would look at me once and assume that I would know everything about the country despite having lived in America most of my thirteen years of life. Truly though, there are some things I don’t know any better than any foreign tourist would.
Regardless of the many struggles I face, there are positives to having this part of my identity too. Growing up, I have had many dreams for the future; from wanting to be an artist, a ballerina, along with a vet, and even a librarian at another point. Now though, I have found myself becoming intrigued by the work of ambassadors. These people travel between countries singularly doing a job that the entire world, really, depends on, for the sake of peace, and every action they take reflects upon their homeland. So, I have realized that in order to be successful in such a job, one needs to be knowledgeable about the culture and customs of other foreign countries as well. I believe that my own background and experiences as an Asian American would allow me to empathize with Asian countries, thus, creating a potential chance for my dream. Similarly, I have come to understand that my unique identity is a door to many opportunities. Opportunities I am determined to use to the fullest.
In conclusion, despite the fact that I have faced many challenges along with the troubles of stereotypes, my heritage is worthwhile; for the potential advantages in the far future and the two places I can simultaneously belong in. As a Korean-American living in the United States, people have assumed ideas of me that weren’t necessarily true. Like K-pop, for example, which I don’t even listen to often. Nevertheless, this part of me has also brought me one step closer to a dream for the future and opened a gateway for many others too. Which brings me to my hope that, for all those out there struggling, no one ever feels ashamed or hatred towards the identity that creates so many opportunities and, most importantly, the trait that makes you you.
Judges' Comments
This writer deftly describes the struggles of stereotyping, and how it relates to them personally. - A.K.
The essay’s candid reflections guide us to look at the different facets of an AAPI experience, from the alienating to the empowering. All readers, of any heritage or community, will appreciate its message of transforming challenges into opportunities. - N.M.
This piece was well written, with some great reflections and ideas. I’d love to see a little more personal material brought in. There’s clearly a personal journey underlying these reflections, and with a few examples, and a little more consideration of what these ideas mean to you personally, your piece would be all the more powerful! - S.T.
by Irene Park
Everyone faces challenges at some point of their life, and it’s no different for Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders; from single-stories to more. Yet, this heritage also represents a door of possibilities.
When someone says Asian American and Pacific Islander, there is usually a stereotypical image that comes to mind. With those few words, one might instinctively create a personality for that person without even getting to know them first. Oh, you are Japanese. You must love anime then! They would think that just because we have another culture to our name, we are completely of that culture. However, as the author, Ijeoma Oluo said, “When we say ‘Asian American’ we are talking about so much more than can be fit in a single stereotype.” This heritage is important, yes, but as an American, it isn’t the only part of our identity. As a Korean-American, I have experienced moments in the past when someone would look at me once and assume that I would know everything about the country despite having lived in America most of my thirteen years of life. Truly though, there are some things I don’t know any better than any foreign tourist would.
Regardless of the many struggles I face, there are positives to having this part of my identity too. Growing up, I have had many dreams for the future; from wanting to be an artist, a ballerina, along with a vet, and even a librarian at another point. Now though, I have found myself becoming intrigued by the work of ambassadors. These people travel between countries singularly doing a job that the entire world, really, depends on, for the sake of peace, and every action they take reflects upon their homeland. So, I have realized that in order to be successful in such a job, one needs to be knowledgeable about the culture and customs of other foreign countries as well. I believe that my own background and experiences as an Asian American would allow me to empathize with Asian countries, thus, creating a potential chance for my dream. Similarly, I have come to understand that my unique identity is a door to many opportunities. Opportunities I am determined to use to the fullest.
In conclusion, despite the fact that I have faced many challenges along with the troubles of stereotypes, my heritage is worthwhile; for the potential advantages in the far future and the two places I can simultaneously belong in. As a Korean-American living in the United States, people have assumed ideas of me that weren’t necessarily true. Like K-pop, for example, which I don’t even listen to often. Nevertheless, this part of me has also brought me one step closer to a dream for the future and opened a gateway for many others too. Which brings me to my hope that, for all those out there struggling, no one ever feels ashamed or hatred towards the identity that creates so many opportunities and, most importantly, the trait that makes you you.
Judges' Comments
This writer deftly describes the struggles of stereotyping, and how it relates to them personally. - A.K.
The essay’s candid reflections guide us to look at the different facets of an AAPI experience, from the alienating to the empowering. All readers, of any heritage or community, will appreciate its message of transforming challenges into opportunities. - N.M.
This piece was well written, with some great reflections and ideas. I’d love to see a little more personal material brought in. There’s clearly a personal journey underlying these reflections, and with a few examples, and a little more consideration of what these ideas mean to you personally, your piece would be all the more powerful! - S.T.