Personal Narrative: My American Identity

Infused with enthusiasm to embark on my exchange program in Trabzon, Turkey, I ignored my status as the only member of my cohort from Western US, let alone the only Asian. But it was in a small Turkish town when a local ice cream vendor held onto my cone as he marveled in disbelief of my American identity. Compared to my friend’s blonde hair and blue eyes, my tan skin and dark hair failed to validate the great misconception that true Americans are white. His words were, “No, no, no. She is original, not you. Where are you from?” Being a vulnerable teenager, innocent questions like this fueled my insecurity and embarrassment of my non-caucasian roots. How could I introduce myself as American without looking like the ones beside me?

My journey
begins with living on Yokosuka Naval Base and the constant exposure to servicemen and women with the message of serving our country. Amazed by their sacrifice, inspiration impelled my search for more peaceful alternatives of service. I have volunteered and interned with community service organizations and am currently interning with the Honolulu City Council. All instances helped shape my definition of privilege and provided various insights on how living conditions could be improved for everyone. When my father introduced me to the foreign services, I knew this was my calling and registered to take the Foreign Service Officer Test in October. The Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program, specifically, would provide the invaluable fertile learning environment for becoming a diplomat at the locus of our federal government.

After my first independent foreign undertaking as a high school student in Trabzon, I extended my efforts in understanding the world throughout university.
My insatiable proclivity for adventure resulted in occasionally getting lost and many stressful situations abroad. Similarly, these opportunities honed my quick-thinking and organizational skills while also exercising my judgement. As foreign service officers often live and travel overseas, I possess the mental and emotional capacity to pack my bags and be ready for the next post. However, the constant discovery of parallels between home and abroad reinforces my strong belief in a unified world. For instance, my tongue is at constant war with Darija, but partaking in Ramadan in Morocco cultivated a mutual understanding and respect that transcended any language barriers. And although I could explore in Turkey and Spain independently with the language skills learned, I easily recognized what mirrored the warm and welcoming Aloha Spirit. As in Hawaii, Spanish and Turkish cultures are highly family oriented and hospitable. It was through establishing this warm connection that I always managed to lead myself and others home
safely.

I may not have white skin, but I no longer hide from the sun.
Our country is a reflection of the world. It is critical to promote the reality that we host a multitude of varying global backgrounds, including first generation Americans like myself. I have represented my country on a unique level and annihilated many stereotypes in the process. I have lived in Japan, Turkey, and Spain, and have traveled to France and Morocco several times. My visage often sparked guessing games of where I am from originally. I educated international friends about Hawaii, as many were unaware of its inclusion within the United States, and taught them that American culture runs deeper than what mainstream media portrays. When we establish a common ground, we find connection. Maintaining positive foreign relations as diplomats protects our citizens from threats on national security, while also improving the lives of others overseas. It would be my honor to serve my country. This time, alongside invaluable foreign service
officers.