As a first generation born Chinese American of immigrant parents who worked 12+ hours a day, seven days a week, I was raised by my grandparents living under the same roof. As my grandparents and I aged, our roles gradually reversed with me now serving as a caregiver for my grandmother.
I didn’t think of myself as a caregiver. Helping my grandparents when I lived with them just felt like part of everyday life. Growing up in Japan, I was raised to respect and care for older adults, so supporting my parents as they got older felt just as natural. It wasn’t until I started working at CDA that I began to see how many different forms caregiving can take. After losing both of my parents while working here, I began to understand the full weight and meaning of caregiving. It can be a gift, but also a challenge. That perspective informs how I approach my work, especially when creating messages that reflect the reality of caregiving and the importance of support.
Talofa!
Love and respect are core values in Pacific Islander culture, and for me, as a Samoan, tausi matua — caring for our elders — is especially close to my heart. I was raised to see it as both a responsibility and a blessing to honor those who’ve sacrificed for us, not just within our immediate family but across generations. This value has shaped who I am, and working for CDA feels deeply personal because it gives me a way to live out that commitment every day.
My father is the pillar of our family, dedicating himself to work from before sunrise until long after sunset. Despite his demanding chef schedule, he always made time to be with me. Some of my most cherished memories involve experimenting with new Chinese recipes under his guidance and working alongside him in restaurants. Through his unwavering commitment, I’ve learned the true meaning of prioritizing family above all else.
In Chinese:
我的父親是我們家庭的支柱，從清晨到深夜都在辛勤工作。儘管他的日程繁忙，他總是抽出時間陪伴我。我最珍貴的回憶之一是與他一起嘗試新的中式食譜，並在餐館裡與他並肩工作。透過他的堅定承諾，我學到了將家庭置於一切之上的真正意義。