Journal (The Middle of Every Where -- Mary Pipher)

I think I am bicultural. I have my own ethnic background, and I am learning the ways that Americans do things. I am kind of glad that I didn't come to the US when I was really little, otherwise I would not be able to be fluent in Chinese as I am now. However, at the same time I wish I could have come here earlier, because I would not have an accent when I speak English. It is hard for me to understand my own identity sometimes. Since I have been in America for four years, Taiwanese people see me as an Americanized teenager, but at the same time Americans still see me as a foreigner. Also, my Chinese is getting worse because I don't speak it as often as before, and my English is not getting whole lot better either. It is hard to find a balance in between. I think it’s great that I have the opportunity to be bicultural, but sometimes I admire those who know where they belong. However, this is a path I chose, and there is no way of turning back.