4th Grader. Taiwanese. DIFFERENT.

Hi, my name is Benjamin Hsu. I am 9-years-old. I just finished 3rd grade about to go to 4th grade right now. My family is from Taiwan but we live in California, or Bay Area.

I love a lot of things, but right now I love eating noodles and reading books (more specifically Harry Potter).

When I grow up I want to be a movie director for Disney because I really like taking pictures and being the center of attention. I know that this is probably not a job most kids want to do like my friends all want to be astronauts and firefighters, but I was born weird and different. I’m different because I don’t like marshmallows. I learned that being a movie director was a job through listening to podcasts like “Imagine Life” by Wondery (I listen to a lot of podcasts). I think it’s interesting to hear about the lives of famous people and how what they did in the past helped them to be who they are right now and what they will be in the future.

How does being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American and/or community ally play a role in your life?

I like being Taiwanese and American. I know that a lot of other people are usually only Taiwanese or American, but I like being both because I get to eat a lot of different foods from my friends who are just American. I especially like the night markets in Taiwan which are so cool.

Also, I can speak Chinese which is cool because I can be secretive when I talk with my family since other people wouldn’t know what we are talking about. I think it’s important to speak Chinese because you can talk with more people who maybe don’t know how to speak English.

Favorite Taiwanese food?

Grilled udon noodles