Guangzhou, China
We typically form new friendships throughout a semester in college, and especially gain strong ones after 4 years of high school. Whether we enjoy the similar experiences, or share unique ones, we try to stay truthful with one another. However, we rarely have the time to look into their past and heritage. That is the paradox of friendships. We may seem to know someone for a really long time, but there lies behind it, simultaneously, a disconnection with the individual as well.
I had the chance to interview Kevin Zheng, an old high school friend, and delve deeper into his own roots. I befriended Kevin back in sophomore year at my high school when he transferred from Brooklyn. His gregarious, reserved, and humble nature genuinely formed the bond of friendship that continually remains. And so we begin his story.
Kevin’s parents are from Guangzhou, China. Interestingly enough, Kevin himself was born in Caracas, Venezuela. The capital city of the country. The reason that Kevin’s family originally lived in Venezuela was because of relatives who lived there. Kevin’s grandfather’s stepdad was a native born Venezuelan. They all spoke Spanish fluently back then, but Kevin is the only one who has lost some of the language because he practiced his English more as he readjusted his life in America. Although he is still bilingual, knowing Cantonese as well.
Kevin’s family later came to America in 2002 when Kevin was around 4 or 5 years old because his father owned a video game store here, and it was difficult for them to hold a business because their knowledge in English was very limited. During the same year of Kevin’s family’s arrival, Venezuela also had political issues in which the US helped launch a failed coup d’etat against the President Hugo Chavez. Despite this adversity in their previous homeland, and the new challenge to readapt in a new country, the United States, through time, Kevin’s parents successfully learned English, and met new people. Finally, Kevin reveals that his overall process to readjust in America was not that difficult because of the fact that he was insulated by his parents’ hard work.
Caracas, Venezuela
When I asked Kevin how he would contrast his life to that of his parents, he responded that their lives took on a larger toll since they never really had an education. Both of his parents did not attend high school. Kevin is the first person in their family to go to college, a proud achievement. To emphasize his appreciation to what his parents have done for him, he states that his course load is nothing compared to what they had to overcome, when they had to start with absolutely nothing.
Kevin’s parents are nostalgic about the authentic Chinese cuisine from China, but they really enjoy living in their newly found niche in America. His family now currently resides in Plainview, Long Island. His grandparents and cousins also live in America now, located in Brooklyn, New York and New Hampshire respectively. Kevin is the oldest in his family, and sets a role model for his two younger brothers: one who is in high school, and the other in middle school.
Kevin also tells me that he sees contrast in his daily life of a Chinese-American to that of his peers in that “trying to balance the Chinese traditions and language with American traditions is difficult. We celebrate a lot of holidays, such as Chinese New Year, Lunar Day, as well as do other things that are different from American culture.” As a follow up, he views that for newly arrived Chinese people in America today it would be currently difficult for them to assimilate into American culture, and wishes them the best of luck.
When I asked what his fondest memory of his family was, he responded that his favorite recollection was going to a trip at Niagara Falls, and staying at a hotel overnight. A majestic sight indeed.
Niagara Falls
Later on, when Kevin replies about what his current goals for his American Dream is as he moves forward, he took some time to ponder. Soon, after a long, pensive moment, he responds that because that he is in college now, he always thinks about money. I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. He also thinks about how the classes he takes will benefit him in the future. “Nothing can be gained easily, so pushing through in college is very difficult.” Kevin currently focuses on psychology in a pre-med course at StonyBrook University.
As an extraction from this interview with my Kevin, I learned more about myself from him as well. Everyone gained his or her opportunity he or she has today because of the original sacrifices of his or her parents. We are the next generation that will help shape the landscape of America in the future, and it shouldn’t be something that can be taken for granted.
Moreover, because of this personalized interview, the former bond with my old chap has been strengthened by closing the original gap created by the paradox of friendship. Therefore, in the constantly fluctuating sea of diversity in this great nation, always look past an individuals’ appearance or social stigma, and the more profound truth will emerge from the depths of their being.
For the moment, Kevin just wants to have a good life and obtain many memorable experiences like any other college student.
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