Christina Rasmussen, a Berkeley High School senior, watched MAX’s TV series “Pen15” and immediately loved Maya Erskine, the actress who plays Maya Ishi Peters in the show. “‘Pen15’ was a really funny show. I loved it. I especially liked the main actress. (Maya Erskine) comes from Japanese heritage which makes it so that I can connect with her,” Rasmussen said, “She is a person I share some oddly similar experiences with.”
Braden Glover, a BHS junior, identifies with Jackie Chan because of Chan’s background and well-known acting career. “I first saw (Jackie Chan) when I watched Rush Hour, and I just felt an immediate connection,” Glover said, “I loved his acting style, and I also personally relate to his experiences and where he comes from.”
BHS sophomore Seigo Lee, explained he strongly relates to basketball player Jeremy Lin. Lin is a Taiwanese player who plays for the Taiwan Professional Basketball League. “I mostly relate to Jeremy Lin because I also play basketball and I’m also Chinese like him. I can really connect with what he has done,” Lee said.
BHS senior Sabrina Salimi, explained that three-time Grammy winner Charli xcx is a celebrity she strongly connects to on a personal level. “Charlie xcx is only half Asian, but she is always talking about her Indian heritage. I respond well to her (music) because we have similar heritage, and I also sympathize with her music. It’s always fun to listen to,” Salimi said.