Questions And Answers: Questions On Identity And Identity

1. How do you define yourself in terms of race, ethnicity, or national origin?
a. Race: Asian American
b. Ethnicity: Filipina
c. National Origin: America
2. How do you describe the structure of your family as you were growing up?
a. My mother was a single mom with my older sister and then she married my father. That relationship blossomed and expanded our family, with the additions of my two siblings and myself. We lived in a two-parent house with my mom, dad and siblings as a blended family.
3. What is the primary language spoken in your home?
a. The primary language spoken in the home is English. It was difficult at times because I wanted to be able to keep my identity as both a Filipina and American woman. I felt like I had to choose which parent I wanted to follow in

The majority English, but there was also a small amount of Tagalog as well. My mother’s first language is Tagalog and she learned English after marrying my father. Although she taught us to speak both languages, sometime we would have to translate for my parents to communicate. It was difficult at times because my mother was not comfortable attending some of the events throughout my childhood. I believe she felt self-conscious and inferior to the parents who spoke fluent English.
5. How might you describe your views regarding the importance or purpose of education?
a. I believe that knowledge and education is the premise of a very successful society. My parents instilled in my siblings and I the desire to pursue our education to the fullest. Since my mother did not pursue her education, she strived to ensure that all of her children were equip with the necessary skills to thrive in their educational goals. This made each of siblings and I want to do exceptionally well; we understood how hard my mother worked to get our family to the point where we were able to understand the importance of education.
6. How might you describe customs you follow that are reinforced in our