Tell me about yourself, and what you do:I work as a licensed marriage and family therapist in a private practice setting
Why did you choose to work in this field?:
Was there a particular incident that ended up confirming your choice in career?:There was no one particular instance, but I will have some clients tell me they appreciate me giving them the space to speak freely and authentically about what they are going through, because it is often the only place where they feel they can truly express themselves and acknowledge their feelings and experiences in a real way.
How do you think that this career has affected your connection to the idea of being “Asian”, and what does that mean to you?:My career has definitely shined a light on the fact that Asian culture generally promotes a notion of "collective" ideology vs. "individualism," so often decisions within Asian families are made for the good of, or are seen as a reflection of the entire family as a whole, rather than what is in the interest of each individual. Working as a therapist, it has made me think about those two seemingly conflicting ideas, particularly because in therapy the goal is often to encourage an individual to work towards understanding their own personal wants needs in order to experience fulfillment. It's especially interesting coming from an Asian background and growing up with those cultural values, while living in a Western society and trying to find a way to balance both cultural/family expectations while also trying to integrate into an "individualistic" society.
Who is someone who has inspired you through your journey?:There isn't one specific person, but I generally feel inspired by the simple, small-scale gestures of compassion and kindness that I see others enact, particularly when nobody is looking. I'm always inspired by any sense of genuine human connectedness, whether it's through a conversation, or seeing/hearing/experiencing artistic expression, or simply in a moment of acknowledgement from friends or strangers where people feel seen, heard, validated, and respected.
What is some advice you can offer to young girls who are hoping to be where you are right now?:You will often be faced with having to deal with other peoples' expectations of you- parents/family, friends/peers, teachers, bosses, etc., and it will be impossible to live up to everyone else's idea of who and what they think you should be/do. You will also likely lose your sense of self in the process of trying to please everyone else. So, be as clear as you can about who you are, what you want, and where you want to go. You're allowed to make mistakes, and fail miserably. You're also allowed to explore, pursue, and create. You are also allowed to redefine your expectations of yourself at any point, as you see fit.