Growing up, I took her a bit for granted. Now that I live away from home, I realized how much I miss her everyday presence.
What did you learn from your mother about being Taiwanese? (妳從妳母親那兒學到甚麼是一個台灣人?)
My mother taught me to be proud of my Taiwanese heritage. Growing in the American “self-absorption culture,” I was never made aware of my Asian descent until my mother subtly showed me through her home cooking, mannerisms, and bed time stories. When I was little, I once told her I was Chinese because my first grade teacher created this identity for me. My mom sat me down and told me all about Taiwan-from geography to food to politics to people — I learned so much in that short span of time. Ever since then, I have created my own proud identity in which I show to the world.
Tell us about one of your earliest memories of your mother. (妳對母親最早的記憶是甚麼?)
One of my earliest memories of my mother was the first time she took me to Taiwan. It was the first time I experienced the food, beauty, and culture of Taiwan firsthand. I remember going to night markets with my mom, clutching onto her arm in an attempt to stay afloat in the tidal waves of people. We walked slowly down the street as the smells of all different types of street food, some familiar, some exotic, filled up my nose as my mom urged me to try everything. From then on, whenever I eat Taiwanese food a wave of nostalgia washes over me as I am brought back to that moment.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your mother? (妳從母親／女兒學到的最重要的是甚麼?)
I learned that your family is the most important thing in your life. They will always be there to support you and lend a hand. They will always love you no matter what.
Tell us about the ways that your mother makes you proud. (妳母親／女兒讓你感到驕傲的是甚麼?)
My mom immigrated to the United States with nothing but some suitcases and a couple of dollars in her pocket. Today she owns a very successful small business with my dad in Flushing, New York called GS Office Supply and Printing. She has built a great reputation for herself and my family. She works so hard every day just so she can spoil my sister and me, let us follow our dreams, and provide us with a college education.
Tell us about how your mother inspires you. (妳的母親／女兒如何激勵妳?)
My mother inspires me to do my best in everything I do. She makes me try my hardest and gives me that extra encouraging push whenever I start doubting myself.
As time has gone on, how has your relationship with your mother changed? (隨著年歲的增長，妳們母女關係有怎麼樣的變化?)
My mother and I have always been close, like best friends. Growing up, I took her a bit for granted. Now that I live away from home, I realized how much I miss her everyday presence.
What is one thing that you would like your mother to know? (有那件事是妳希望讓妳的母親／女兒知道的?)
I want my mother to know how much I love her and how thankful I am to be her daughter.
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