this year , 2023-24

Growing up with a Chinese mother and a French father has shaped my identity in extraordinary ways. Embracing the fusion of these two distinct cultures has been an adventure filled with curiosity, challenges, and a constant quest for understanding. People often inquire about my upbringing, intrigued by the blend of traditions and customs that have influenced my life. While I appreciated being able to get influenced by two countries with very different cultural backgrounds, my journey of self-discovery hasn't always been straightforward.

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Despite speaking Chinese to a fairly fluent degree and being well-versed in its day-to-day usage, my physical features lean towards the other end of the Asian-European spectrum. This creates a sense of displacement, both when I'm in China and France. In China, the land where I spent most of my formative years and attended international schools, I felt somewhat “different” because there were moments when people questioned whether I truly belonged due to my appearance.

Conversely, my knowledge of the French language is limited to the basics. Growing up in China and attending international schools, my exposure to the French language was restricted. This affected my ability to effectively communicate with my French family members in my northern French hometown. Attending French summer camps during the holidays amplified this challenge, as I sometimes found myself excluded and made fun of when trying to communicate with other children back home. However, despite these obstacles, I encountered numerous kind-hearted teachers and supportive peers who made sure I felt welcomed and comfortable.

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In 2020, the world was thrown into disarray by the relentless grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. I was stuck in China due to travel restrictions, unable to visit my French family for three consecutive summers. The only lifeline connecting my French family members to me was a telephone, through which I would eagerly communicate with them for a set period each week. However, when I finally returned to France at the age of fourteen, I was met with an overwhelming emptiness as I stepped into the house my French grandfather had built. The knowledge that he had passed away while I was stuck on the other side of the world shattered me within. However, I struggled to verbalise this emotion to my French family, which led to a certain degree of misunderstanding. 

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In the spite of this, they stayed by my side throughout the entire process, trying to express their love and care as they did. At that moment, I understood that amidst the ups and downs of understanding two cultures and observing their contrasting ways of communication, one truth has become glaringly apparent: both sides of my family deeply care for me, regardless of the physical or geographical distance that separates us. Their love transcended boundaries and reminded me of the unbreakable bond we share. We may not completely understand each other, but our acceptance, respect, and willingness to listen to their many stories gradually construct a meaningful relationship between ourselves and others. In recognizing this, I've come to appreciate the importance of developing a multicultural mindset.

 

Getting to know someone from a different culture can feel daunting to some individuals. Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings and challenges. However, approaching each other with an open mind and a genuine desire to comprehend one another fosters growth and compassion. Just as my Chinese and French families politely inquire about the customs and practices of the other, I patiently explain the cultural differences I've experienced. Through these conversations, we ensure that respect and inclusivity are upheld, creating an environment where understanding can flourish. My journey of embracing two cultures has shaped my identity in unique ways. While there are moments when I feel out of place, I understand that despite us all being different in some way, our collective desire to understand the other and express our care helps us build significant bonds.
 

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