As May unfolds, we at Doximity take the opportunity to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We asked Doximity employees to share their perspective on what it means to be Asian American. Read on as they share their perspectives and experiences during this month.
Amanda Shang, Associate Product Manager
As a second-generation Taiwanese-American, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing both Taiwanese and American cultures firsthand. Both my parents grew up in Taiwan and immigrated to the US before I was born. Many of my formative years were spent straddling Taiwan and Texas. I would spend the majority of the school year in the US and then spend my summer break at school in Taiwan (because that’s how every kid wants to spend their vacation).
Growing up, being Taiwanese-American was not something that I always felt proud to be. There were many memorable, funny moments from school in Taiwan like kids asking for my autograph or getting questions about whether I rode horses to school. As exciting as it was to feel like a special snowflake there, there were also experiences that confirmed I was very much an outsider, a Westerner to them. I’d spend my summers trying hard to fit in with my Taiwanese side, only to come back to the US and realize I wasn’t plugged in to the latest music, pop culture, movies, etc., and that my friends deemed my interests to be too “Asian”.
Over time, I’ve come around to develop a deep appreciation for both cultures. Being Asian American means that I uniquely get to immerse myself in two very different cultures and connect with people I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to if I didn’t speak the language. It means acknowledging the hard work and sacrifices my parents and ancestors have made for me to have the opportunities I have today.
In the end, being Taiwanese-American means embracing my unique identity and heritage and finding a balance that feels authentic to me.
Angelica Recierdo, Senior Editor
I am Filipina so hospitality is ingrained in me. That means being in community and celebrating life. Filipinx people are some of the warmest people in the world and are quick to start the party with song and dance or offer you a plate of food. The other day we had Filipino food at our newbie happy hour from Uncle Tito and that was a cool moment because one of the newbies was Filipina too and we talked about the food we grew up with. To be seen like that at work was really special and I enjoy connecting with other Asian American and BIPOC colleagues.
Paolo Dayao, Office Manager
As a first-generation Filipino-American, the culture and traditions shared by my parents and family mean a lot to me. My parents moved here from the Philippines for better opportunities for my brothers and I, and I'm grateful that's what they pursued. At the same time, I'm proud of our culture and roots in the Philippines which my parents instilled in us growing up. These cultures and traditions such as food, family, generosity, and humor give me a sense of pride and belonging. I've visited my family in the Philippines and witnessed the different ways of life there, but realizing what we already had in common helped me appreciate my identity and where I come from more meaningfully.
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