Lucy: #StopAsianHate Blog

When I first moved here to the United States at three years old. I knew my transition will be difficult as soon as I enter elementary school. I speak a few phrases in both English and Tagalog, but I thought my teachers would understand what I will be saying. Instead, I felt like an outsider. I felt like an “alien” because I was speaking in phrases mixed with two different languages. I had a few friends who helped me through the transition. Sometimes I would get pick on by the other classmates because of my eyes and how my face is shaped.

I have dealt with racism and discrimination in the past and now. But as I saw all of the hate crimes and attacks on the AAPI community, especially towards the elderly. I was worried about all of my family members in my hometown and around the nation. I have a few aunts and uncles living in North Carolina and a few in Florida. I always call and text them to see how they are doing. No one deserves to feel this tremendous amount of anxiety and fear. It is hurtful to imagine the what if’s to my grandmother if she was walking by herself to relax.

For many years, I have struggled to find myself. I have gone through many times through middle school to high school to give myself confidence in who I am. However, the process of keeping the confidence stable was challenging for me. Each time I wanted to compliment myself. I have always been judged or brought down. As I finish my second year of college, I feel motivated to start somewhere to show awareness #StopAsianHate and I feel happy to join eGirl Power as a volunteer and now a part of their community.