Medal of Chinese hero, Cheng Chenggong, a gift to my mother from her uncle.

My parents and me at a park in Xiamen, my hometown, 1991.

My grandmother gave me this necklace. It reads, "In and out, safe and sound."

My father and a friend at Texas Christian University, 1992.

Me, wearing a vest made by my aunt when I was in China, and my father's friend, my "American grandfather."

A Chinese silk quilt cover, a gift to my mother from my grandmother.

My mother literally carried me to America in 1993. She also carried her former life and the beginning of a new life.

A bei jin, a baby carrying sash, given to my mother from my grandmother.

My family celebrating Christmas in Amherst, MA, in 1998. We do not observe the religious aspects of the holiday.

Me, holding my brother for the first time. Born in America, my brothers Lin and Conan are the only U.S. citizens in our family.

My father's ink, brush, and book. I love the calm look on his face as he practices calligraphy.

My cross-country race number, 2005.

A Chinese travel agency in France, which I visited in 2005. I see myself as an explorer, immersing myself in different cultures.