This interviewee is Chinese-American born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s a writer. What I admire about her is the confidence of her Asian-American roots.

What are some challenges that you experience as Asian American?

I think the hardest thing about being an Asian American is trying to figure out your true identity. You try to balance both sides of the culture, but its inevitable that you become more “American” without realizing it. And because of this, you start to lose your connection with your main roots. Especially connecting with your parents is hard because you grow up American so you obviously feel more American than Asian. And sometimes when you do meet “fob” Asians, we judge them, but at the same time we are still Asian. So being Asian American and just Asian creates a separation of if you are really Asian or not.

What is your advice to Asian Americans?

I think regardless if you are American Asian or half Asian or 1/4 Asian, I think if you have any ounce of Asian in you, it should be something that is embraced. Even if it is very little, it is something to be proud of rather than be embarrassed of.

Do you think being a person of color in America is hard?

Definitely because of white supremacy and ignorance. America is not the “home” of Asians, Africans, Hispanics, etc. so of course adjusting to life here would be hard. It’s like if a white person goes to another foreign country and tries to make a living, but because America is different and is like a melting pot of people, there will be more discrimination and inferiority to other races.

What should we do to dismantle racism?

I don’t think it will ever be eliminated, the mindset of Americans view of minorities I mean. But there should be more laws that help minorities to get jobs and stuff.

If you could change anything in the world right now, what would it be and why?

If I could change anything — [pause] the world’s dependence on money and greed. I think there is too much emphasis on money and even though people say money can’t buy happiness, it still has a huge huge effect on happiness (in my opinion) because you need money to buy everything and of course everyone has desires.

As a person who grew up in the South, what are best and worst things about the place?

Best would be the really rich traditions we have. We are known to have a lot of manners and a lot of heritage and culture the North doesnt have. Worst would be the whole racist tension stuff — but I think the cultural diversity makes up for it.

And the most important question, what makes you happy?

I’m still figuring out what it means to be happy, but I think being happy is selfless and what is most satisfying for me is seeing people I know happy. If I can make people laugh and at ease, then thats a step closer to happiness.