Word on the street: How do you connect with your asian heritage?

Donovan Jake Chang, a junior at Berkeley High School, connects with his Chinese and Filipino heritage through celebrating holidays. “Coming together as a family and just eating the food and celebrating the culture,” Chang said, is one of the main ways he enjoys

engaging with his heritage. Language is another way Chang feels connected to his culture. Learning Mandarin, whether on his own time or in school, has given him an opportunity to talk about events, foods, and all other aspects of his heritage.

Raiden Lee, a BHS junior, connects with his culture through celebrations. When he was younger he felt a stronger push from his parents to be connected to his culture. Early on, he was put in a Chinese afterschool program, still the main connector for Lee was celebrations. Every year around February he celebrates Chinese New Year, “We have a big gathering with all my family,” Lee said, adding that he also attends cultural festivals and exchanges red envelopes on the occasion with his friends and family.

For Nava Boyarin, a BHS sophomore, being connected to her Korean culture is something she is trying to work towards and wishes she was more connected with. “My mom emigrated from Korea when she was 10, so I just feel like it’s a big part of who I am, and I want to know about that part of myself,” Boyarin said, adding that she is currently trying to learn Korean in order to better understand her heritage and connect with Korean culture. Boyarin also partakes in Korean holidays with her family like New Year and Chuseok, which is a harvest holiday.

En “Enzo” Hubby is Taiwanese and Chinese. He connects with his heritage through spending time with his Chinese/Taiwanese friends and family, food, and celebrations. “I will go do hot pot with my friends and family for sure. Sometimes we go see lion dances and do red envelopes with family as well,” he said. When Hubby gets together with his family they will have dinner and activities together. “Some of them might be what we are grateful for, or who has helped you,” he said, explaining what he reflects on during these events.