My poor parents. I didn’t fit the math whiz kid or Susie Wong stereotype and didn’t follow a conventional (Asian) business, technology or accounting career route. My less traditional job choices and community activism left them scrambling for terms that didn’t quite translate cross-culturally, as clearly evidenced by the puzzled looks of my non-English-speaking Chinese relatives.

Here were a few examples:

• When I worked in the nonprofit sector as a social justice advocate: I was a ”missionary” with a “no-profit business.” Nonprofit organizations were not common in China at the time, except in the form of humanitarian relief and volunteers.
• When I worked in city government and ran for local public office: I became a  “village unit leader.”
• When I attended Harvard graduate school:  Nothing lost in translation here. The Harvard name has it’s own phonetic translation in Mandarin and remains an untouchable elite academic brand, especially among Asian circles.  Even years after graduation, my parents proudly presented me as their “Harvard Girl” to strangers and friends alike.  I, on the other hand, felt like I wasn’t as smart as everyone thought I was!
• When I crossed over to the corporate side and worked for Fortune 500 companies: Finally, a real job!
• As an environmental/sustainability advocate: I became the “tree hugger” and “greenhead” of the family. The name has stuck.

I will be forever grateful to my parents who have always supported me on my journey!