Blog

First-Generation, Second Chances

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yli is My Story

When I look in the mirror, I see a daughter of Asian-American immigrants and a first-generation student. This is the ongoing story of my life, shaped by my family’s journey in a foreign land and my own relentless pathway to college.

Falling into the Fight Ahead

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yli is My Story

Will I know what spring feels like again? Where the flowers bloom. Or will our soil continue to be covered with the mess of profit over people? This is the future I do not accept!

Chasing Stability: The struggle for a home in Oakland

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yli is My Story

People say “Money can’t buy happiness” but if money is the key for my mom not to worry and cry and fight with my dad, that would make me happy. It will make my siblings happy because my mom wouldn’t have to work so hard and my dad wouldn’t have to work so hard and could actually make time for me and my siblings. Whoever said money can’t buy happiness must’ve never gone through my struggles.

The American Dream is a nightmare

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yli is My Story

At just 15 years old, I hopped on a plane without my mom. How do I even write about being miles apart from the person who supported me my entire life, or begin to fathom her not even attending my high school graduation? I can’t.

yli’s Response to Donald Trump’s Election

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yli is My Story

I know the world looks bleak. I share your grief and rage – not only that Donald Trump will once again take office, but that so many of our fellow citizens chose him and the values he stands for. But this is not our country’s darkest hour.