#46. Joanne Ho, My Gift to America
My mom has always wanted me to wear bright colors. She likes people to stand out and be noticed. In her youth, my mom wasn’t always able to stand out. There were many instances where she had to hide. The political turmoil in China forced her family to immigrate, and as they moved, she quietly learned several languages- her native Sichuanese, Shanghainese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. With the gift of these languages, she found a super-ability—a talent of connecting with people. She is a bridge between Americans. New immigrants and established, elders and youngsters, those who can speak for themselves and those who cannot. She helps those who are seen and also those who might be hidden. She demonstrates how to be a neighbor. My mom shows people that they are noticed, and how bright and colorful they are. And to me, that is her gift to America.