My host sister spoke English, but my host mom didn't understand me unless I spoke Mandarin. I've been to friend's homes where grandparents only spoke Spanish, Navajo, or even Tagalog; I relied on my host sister the same way I’ve learned to lean on friends. Chinese food didn't scare me, although it sometimes challenged me to a staring contest. I've seen people eat menudo, so I was brave enough to try pigeon and turtle. Spice wasn't intimidating; I got over that after a trip to New Orleans. Although I’ve never attended a Chinese high school or prepared for the gaokao, my host sister and I have dealt with similar obstacles in our high stakes and high stress preparations for the future. Through the language barrier, not in defiance of it, her and I found a way to connect, learn from each other, and become
My host sister spoke English, but my host mom didn't understand me unless I spoke Mandarin. I've been to friend's homes where grandparents only spoke Spanish, Navajo, or even Tagalog; I relied on my host sister the same way I’ve learned to lean on friends. Chinese food didn't scare me, although it sometimes challenged me to a staring contest. I've seen people eat menudo, so I was brave enough to try pigeon and turtle. Spice wasn't intimidating; I got over that after a trip to New Orleans. Although I’ve never attended a Chinese high school or prepared for the gaokao, my host sister and I have dealt with similar obstacles in our high stakes and high stress preparations for the future. Through the language barrier, not in defiance of it, her and I found a way to connect, learn from each other, and become