My mother experienced a diverse upbringing due to her father’s career, which frequently required their family to relocate. Born in Ireland, she immigrated to Hong Kong at just five months old, during a time of significant social and economic unrest in the 1960s. The picture I used shows her as the only blonde girl with green eyes in an asian class. Even though she was different from her peers she learned how to adapt. Living in a bustling, dynamic city so far from her birthplace, even at a young age, exposed her to a culturally rich and diverse environment. Although, she didn’t stay there long. When she was five years old, her parents separated, leading her to return to Ireland with her mother. Reuniting with extended family in her native country offered some stability, yet life had more changes in store. Not long after, her parents divorced and her mother decided to move again—this time halfway across the world to Kansas City. This series of moves across continents shaped her outlook on life. Experiencing vastly different cultural environments, from the vibrant streets of Hong Kong to the landscapes of Ireland and the heartland of America, gave her a unique understanding of diversity. These important experiences gave her a deep sense of empathy and open-mindedness. She learned early on how to navigate different social settings and appreciate varied perspectives, shaping her into the thoughtful, understanding person she is today.

– Jasper Adler-O'Neill

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant