“Being an adopted Asian-American has truly taught me to be grateful of what life has given me, and the transition from living in China to living in America was so impactful, and obviously changed every aspect of my life. I’m so grateful for my parents, because without them, I’m positive I wouldn’t be alive today. I don’t know how I know this, but I just feel that if I never was adopted, I would live a very hard and poor life. Because of the living conditions and child policies, I wouldn’t have made it. I do think about my theoretical siblings, I’m positive that I have some. I think I would want to meet them one day. Thinking about what my parents went through, and dealing with stereotypes in everyday life, since I’m not exactly the average student, I usually just ignore the stereotypes since my life here is not even comparable to what life would have been like if I had stayed in China. Being adopted in this world has taught me to be more compassionate, treat everything with kindness, and always being grateful for everything. It’s just crazy to think how far I’ve gotten, just from being born in China to ending up in Fruita, Colorado. I’m just so thankful for this life.”