About

acknowledgements

I would not have been able to complete this project without the immense support of my family and friends. First, I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Amber Garcia. Thank you for your continuous support and flexibility throughout the process of this paper. Additionally, I have beyond appreciated being able to share personal experiences and prepare for post-college endeavors with you. You have been one of my favorite professors to work with since my first year and it was an honor to be mentored by you.

Second, I would like to thank Dr. Ziying You. Thank you, 游老师, for being one of the most kind and caring professors on this campus. From taking me in for Thanksgiving freshmen year to letting me be your research assistant to eating lunch with me senior year to discuss where I am headed next. I honestly do not know where I would be without your continuous support in my academic and non-academic successes. My work with you is what inspired this project and the work you continue to do for the Asian and Asian American community is something that I hope everyone can see one day.

Thank you to all who participated in this survey. It takes much courage to open up about racist experiences, let alone to total strangers, and this project would not be where it is without you. Thank you to all of my friends for their impacts on my life these past four years. I would not be who I am today without you all by my side. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank my mother and sister. You probably have to deal with me the most and I know that isn’t easy. Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to be my best, and most authentic, self, and thank you for not giving up on me. This paper would not have been possible without your encouragement in discovering my adoptee and Chinese identity. Thank you for everything you have given me and continue to do so.