Meet Vivian
Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced you or helped guide you?
I would consider my mother and my stepdad to have greatly influenced me in my life. Immigrating to California at a young age [6], I knew it would be hard on everyone, especially my mom and stepdad since they were moving their entire life across the pond. I can’t imagine how I would feel making that large of a life change without first securing a job and a place to live. Looking back at all they’ve accomplished is a great reminder of what I could achieve in any situation.
What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s nice to see a part of my heritage celebrated on such a large scale. I didn’t see much of it being represented or celebrated outside of Chinatown. To be able to honor our vast and varied histories by celebrating the beauty and richness of many different cultures combined allows me to appreciate all individual and collective contributions in many aspects of our lives.
What is your favorite Chinese dish, and do you have a family recipe you could share?
One of my favorite dishes would have to be congee or porridge. It’s the one dish I can have at any time, whether the weather is hot or cold, or you’re feeling under the weather, or you just don’t know what to have for lunch/dinner. This dish brings me back to my childhood memories of coming home from school and my grandfather in the kitchen, preparing the porridge along with a large assortment of sides. Happy times!