The importance of diversity has been ingrained in me since I was little. Starting the 8th grade in the U.S. equipped with nothing except a few English phrases was one of my biggest obstacles. “Hello! What’s your name?” people would ask. “Qi-Tong Huang,” I would answer, I see the expressions, then hear the response, “What?” Day after day, I would sit in the last row of the classroom, listening to the variety of sounds that slowly crept into my ears. I struggled tremendously just like Warren did. It was extremely hard for me to fit into any groups of people since I didn't know who I truly am. I overthought about my race, and how I identify, and how other people want me to identify. Fortunately, basketball became my best way to make friends. I was amazed and pleased to find a group of people who were passionate about the same thing. The remarkable story between my true love- basketball and I marked the peak of my involvement in different passions and a turning point in my life. My shyness had not persisted and my comfort zone had expanded. From growing up in China to immigrating to California, I have learned that this world is comprised of cultures and passions in varying complexities. I realize that diversity and race are so much more than the tint of my skin. Not many know me for my family and my childhood, but they know me
The importance of diversity has been ingrained in me since I was little. Starting the 8th grade in the U.S. equipped with nothing except a few English phrases was one of my biggest obstacles. “Hello! What’s your name?” people would ask. “Qi-Tong Huang,” I would answer, I see the expressions, then hear the response, “What?” Day after day, I would sit in the last row of the classroom, listening to the variety of sounds that slowly crept into my ears. I struggled tremendously just like Warren did. It was extremely hard for me to fit into any groups of people since I didn't know who I truly am. I overthought about my race, and how I identify, and how other people want me to identify. Fortunately, basketball became my best way to make friends. I was amazed and pleased to find a group of people who were passionate about the same thing. The remarkable story between my true love- basketball and I marked the peak of my involvement in different passions and a turning point in my life. My shyness had not persisted and my comfort zone had expanded. From growing up in China to immigrating to California, I have learned that this world is comprised of cultures and passions in varying complexities. I realize that diversity and race are so much more than the tint of my skin. Not many know me for my family and my childhood, but they know me