Callie R.
She/her | 20 | Nanning
金碧 (jin1bi4) is my given name, 金 (jin1) meaning gold and 碧 (bi4) as in 碧绿 (bi4lv4), or dark green. There are definitely different ways to translate this, one of the relative terms being “sunshine” as told by the nannies at the orphanage I was in. I’d like to think that since gold and green are fairly lucky colors, my name would be something akin to good fortune.
I drew my mom, dad, older sister, and cat - they are one of the biggest support systems in my life.
I drew my closest friends from high school, as well as friends I’ve made at Oxy - all of whom I am very lucky to have.
Because I’ve moved several times during crucial parts of my childhood, the concept of home is less a physical location and more of the close people in my life.
I collect enamel pins when I visit new places, of characters or cute animals or pins that I think represent me.
I drew myself in the pike position - a position that exists in both gymnastics and diving. I spent 11 years doing gymnastics, and now dive for the Occidental Swim and Dive team.
Listening to music is one of my favorite ways to relax.
My main love language is quality time (🥰⏱️), and some of my favorite bonding activities include: eating out, cooking, board games, watching films (horror!), and hiking.
My favorite childhood movie is Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
I really like this quote (the internet says it’s by Zig Ziglar, but you never know) because it’s a reminder to not base my value on what others think.
Connecting with Chinese culture
To start off, the biggest introduction to Chinese culture I had was when I attended a Mandarin immersion elementary school in Minnesota for three years. Every subject was taught in Mandarin. We also did fun things such as making dumplings, practicing calligraphy, learning Chinese dance, and hosting Chinese New Year celebrations - which are fond memories that stay with me till this day.
Even now, maintaining a competent level of Mandarin is important to me as it has been the one constant way for me to recognize the Chinese part of my identity.
In general, learning more about Chinese history, traditions, music, dance, film, food, etc., is how I am currently trying to connect with Chinese culture. It’s a continuous process of self-discovery, and going to school in LA has provided many more opportunities to connect with the culture and communities I never had growing up.
Podcast
Sit down with Callie and Ava as we discusses what being adopted means to us. We discuss family dynamics, feeling of connection and disconnection, friendships, attachment styles, returning to China, and DNA testing.
