Question: How far has your family traveled?
Over 5100 Miles in 36 Years
Countries: Japan, US
By Chris L. on 3/4/2015
Tags: family, APAEverywhere, japan, united states, bulldogtech, 1919
In 1919, my great grandpa moved from Japan to Hawaii in order to get a job in the sugar cane/pineapple fields. He was one of the hundreds of workers to come to Hawaii to work in the fields. He was nervous when he moved, but he knew it would be a much better lifestyle in the United States.
In 1955, my grandpa took a JetProp plane from Honolulu to San Francisco for a better job. There was a large party before he left Hawaii. He didn’t have very much money when he arrived, so his parents sent money every month to help. He raised a family in San Francisco, then later moved to San Jose.
Question: Although I was born here, I still feel like an immigrant. Do you?
Surviving Immigration
By Glenn Aquino on 11/13/2013
Country: Philippines, US
Tags: philippines, 1925
In 1925, my grandfather, Estanislao Martinez, left the Philippines when he was 15 years old. He traveled on a ship for one month and arrived in San Francisco. He told me some people died on the ship from various ailments and the conditions were harsh, “The ocean was your restroom.”
In 1973 my mother immigrated to the U.S. and soon after my father came in 1974. Their immigrant experience was far less harsh than my grandfather, however, they similarly experienced challenges of racial and economic discrimination.
Question: What culinary dish represents your past?
Kimchi and Borscht
By Anna Chang on 10/20/2014
Countries: Canada, South Korea
Tags: south korea, canada, cjmteens, APAEverywhere
It is 1941 and at 18 years old, my maternal grandma marries my grandpa in Moldavia. They successfully escape the Holocaust, go to Sweden then Canada. My grandpa makes watches and my grandma makes borscht. In 1982 my mom moves to San Francisco for medical school.
It is 1949 and my paternal grandparents are both refugees from the Korean War. In 1959 my dad is born in Seoul, South Korea, and his parents scrape together their money to move to New York City. My grandpa makes wigs and grandma makes kimchi. In 1982 my dad moves to San Francisco for medical school.
Question: What’s your family hi(STORY) ??
The Homeland
By Ata on 10/17/2014
Countries: American Samoa, Samoa
Tags: samoa, 1970, american samoa, baymnfest, APAEverywhere
My story begins with my mother who migrated to America from Samoa with her siblings after she graduated from high school. Our whole family was taking the long journey for a better chance of education and employment. There wasn’t a lot of work, so moving just seemed natural for the family.
Today she stands and proudly says the journey was well worth the struggle. Coming from sharing a pair of slippers between 8 siblings, to making her own family with children who are successful in their own way. Now we can travel back home and proudly share our story of the big place called America.
Question: What was your journey?
My Family’s Journey From Cambodia
By PJ Rich on 3/4/2015
Countries: Cambodia, US
Tags: family, opportunity, happy, strength, inspiration, separation, opportunity
Years ago in 1979, my grandma escaped the communist war in Cambodia. While fleeing to Thailand she lost her whole family including her kids. There she met my grandpa. After a few years they had my father and were sponsored by a church in Texas to come to the US. This is my dad and grandma.
Today my grandma and grandpa now have 5 kids who are all grown up now. They also have 7 grand children, including me. I am the only child of my father and mother. I also am a 8th grade honor roll student at Ley Va Middle School. This is a picture of my father 33 years later with me and my mom.
Question: Are you grateful for becoming who you are today because you live in a different country??
Growing Up Here Instead
By Klaine Stephanie on 10/17/2014
Countries: Philippines, US
Tags: philippines, 2010, united states, APAEverywhere
“When I was 5 years old, my lola left for the US. “”The States””, my lola would say to me over the phone. Fast forward a decade, I came home from school and my parents said the family would migrate to the US that year. 9/21/10: We lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Daly City, all 21 of us.”
Today, I live in a suite in San Francisco and pay my rent. I ride my bike for commute to work & school. I go to a public library for free books. I’ve met creative & inspiring people. I learn so much. I live, love & laugh. I grow & do things, go to places, meet people. I’m fortunate to be here today.
