October 2, 2023

Book Of The Month: Girl uprooted, a Book By Lena Lee.


As a third culture kid, Lena grew up in so many places, she has experienced a tumultuous journey when it comes to reconciling with her Asian cultural origin and her upbringing in 9 different places. There was a time when she grappled with feelings of resentment and embarrassment toward her heritage, but through self-reflection, she discovered that it was merely a phase of growth.

It is not uncommon for third-culture kids like her to struggle with finding their place in the complex web of cultural identities. While she was fortunate enough to have been exposed to both her Asian heritage and other cultures, she found herself longing to fit in with her American peers. This desire to assimilate led to moments of embarrassment and sometimes even a sense of shame towards her Asian background.

During this phase, she embraced stereotypes that were imposed on Asian cultures, believing that they somehow defined who she was. The pressure to conform and the fear of being perceived as "different" caused her to suppress and push away her cultural heritage. Additionally, the lack of representation and knowledge about her heritage in her immediate surroundings further fueled her misguided feelings of resentment.

However, as she matured and broadened her understanding of cultural diversity, she began to recognize the richness and beauty of her Asian cultural roots. She realized that her heritage was not something to be ashamed of but rather a source of strength and a part of my unique identity as a third culture kid

I am giving a big Kudos to the writer as when she is looking back, she grasps a sense of compassion for her younger self - navigating the complexities of cultural identity is no easy feat. It took her time, courage, and lots of personal growth to understand that embracing her Asian heritage does not diminish her other identities, it enhances it. She learned to cherish the values, customs, and traditions that have been passed down through generations and appreciate the history and diversity that comes with it.

Lena embraces her Asian culture while nourishing the diversity of what other cultures have to offer. She managed to celebrate the fusion of cultures that she embodied as a third-culture kid, recognizing that it is what makes her who she is. She became confident with societal expectations, understanding that identity is not a binary choice but a beautiful mosaic.

Lena is sending a clear and strong message to all third-culture kids and individuals going through similar experiences, she is urging you to embrace your cultural heritage. Recognize that it is a journey, and it is okay to have moments of doubt and confusion.

Through self-reflection and understanding, you can and will navigate your way toward embracing and proudly celebrating the diversity that lies within you.