My interests and subsequent jobs were difficult to explain to non-speaking Chinese relatives. For example, there was no equivalent at the time for a “nonprofit,” which became directly translated in Chinese as a “no money business.” Not exactly something my parents wanted to boast about to Chinese friends. Instead, my parents introduced me as their “Harvard Missionary Girl.” After I won local public office, I became a “village unit leader.” Since I was interested in health and  sustainability, my mother nicknamed me a “tree-hugger” and “greenhead.”  In light of Chinese tradition and sexism, I felt very lucky. My parents gave me choices and the support to create my own destiny.

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