I found myself pondering all of the different films, articles and books that I have read throughout this quarter.  Some I really liked and others had me ready to leave the room. Did they help me to obtain a deeper connection with my project? The final answer to this is, YES!

Each and everyone of the books and media articles had a profound influence. It appears that I have a unique way of interpreting these various forms of media. By nature I am extremely empathetic, which causes me to continually try to feel what others are feeling. It is like having this innate need to immerse myself into the feelings and emotions of others. This is how I form connections and draw conclusions. This is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand I want to be close up and personal, but am I missing the more pragmatic and intellectual messages due to being so immersed in empathetic connections?

Perhaps this is just the way that I am wired. Throughout my project I have tried to connect my family’s immigration to other Asian Americans. I feel that I have had great success with that. I know that we can never know exactly what another is feeling, but I believe that all of my research, interviews with family members and my own traveling experience has served me well.

Another process that helped me with writing was what Kris having us just write. She nailed it on the head when she spoke about writing and rewriting your drafts. This helped me immensely! There is also great truth in knowing when to stop and just pick one version.

This is a summary of how my research paper has evolved throughout this quarter and prompted my own personal growth. My paper may not be perfect, but neither am I. I have been frustrated many times during this process and learned way more than I thought I would. I am proud of my progress and thankful to the instructors and classmates that have shared their personal stories that helped gain a better understanding of myself and others.