I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in life lately and what I really want for myself. The past few years have brought a lot of changes. I’m currently working part-time while focusing on my mental health and continuing to work on myself. Between my own struggles, my past experiences, and family issues,… Continue reading Redefining What a Good Life Looks Like
Author: J.J. Tsai
Making the Most Out of My Hybrid Identity.
1.5-generation Taiwanese immigrant based in Orange County, CA. Amateur blogger. Likes puzzles (under 500 pieces only), daydreaming, and finding good food. Cat person, but always happy to see a cute dog too. Navigates PMDD flare-ups and has somehow become a professional at riding emotional waves. Cherishes her friends and family (as well as her Smiskis).
“That is not me.”
I’ve always felt that how well a kid is able to adapt to a new environment has a lot to do with their personality, especially how outgoing they are. I like to describe myself as an extroverted introvert. But honestly, I’m not really that introverted. It’s just that my shyness as a kid probably gave… Continue reading “That is not me.”
Gratitude
I’m grateful to everyone who has been a part of my 1.5-generation journey and helped me along the way. To the classmates who invited me to sit at their lunch table when I was in seventh grade, thank you for making me feel welcome when I was still trying to figure out where I belonged.… Continue reading Gratitude
Reflections – Written in 2019
There have been multiple stages of identity shifts since I arrived in the U.S. with my family at age 12. Beginning Stage — Culture Shock (Ages 12–17)Disliked the language; didn’t feel like learning; didn’t feel like I belonged; became a loner; homesick. I remember hating this place so much. I remember thinking: I didn’t choose… Continue reading Reflections – Written in 2019
Gloomy Nights
For most of my life, I’ve tried to understand myself by looking at where I came from: Taiwan, the United States, the languages I speak, the cultures I grew up around, and the constant feeling of being somewhere in between. But identity isn’t the only thing I’ve had to learn to live with. There are… Continue reading Gloomy Nights
Quiet Nights
We eventually started living in a nice, four-bedroom house in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I honestly never really liked the house. It was nice and spacious, with beautiful natural light, but something about it made me feel lonely. I remember those late work nights when I was the only one home. I couldn’t bring myself… Continue reading Quiet Nights
Year 2000, Leaving Taipei
I’d like to really understand everything that led me to become who I am today. I remember taking the airplane to America that day, full of excitement. At the airport, I saw my aunt and uncle for the first time in what felt like forever—though honestly, I couldn’t even remember how many years it had… Continue reading Year 2000, Leaving Taipei
Research Interests and Motivation
My interest in researching 1.5-generation immigrants comes from both my academic background and my own experiences growing up between languages and cultures. I want to better understand how 1.5-generation immigrants cope with identity crises, acculturation stress, and conflicting cultural values between their first and second languages and cultures. In particular, I’m interested in how identity… Continue reading Research Interests and Motivation
Learning to Stop Being「白目」
I used to always want people to understand me and accept my opinions. I tended to look down on people when they held values or behaved in ways that I disliked. I often wanted people to become “better”—by my own definition of better. Even though I genuinely love learning about new things, ideas, cultures, languages,… Continue reading Learning to Stop Being「白目」
What Made Me Who I Am
I’d like to really understand everything that led me to who I am today. Growing Up 1.5 在沒有什麼歸屬感的環境底下長大 Trying my best but never being able to truly fit in Choosing to fit in—or choosing to be an outsider The fear of being left out Anxiety Loneliness Not wanting to admit that I was simply shy… Continue reading What Made Me Who I Am
