Katie Chiu is a second-generation Chinese American. Her grandparents fled China during the communist take-over to Hong Kong, where her parents were born. Katie is in the Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College. She represented the freshman class this past year on the Macaulay Student Council.
Continue reading An Interview with Katie Chiu
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Presentation and Aspiration: A Hostess’ Job
Disclaimer: The names in this article have been changed at the request of the interview subject.
On Thursdays through Saturdays, Emma stands with a smile behind the counter at a restaurant on Avenue M. She greets those who come off the street into the somewhat small building and gently guides them to their seats, handing them the large menus and letting them know to not hesitate to ask for anything. She answers the phone with fluid efficiency and a professional air, and examines seating charts with a practiced eye. She is the first impression guests make of the restaurant, and she is a friendly one.
Continue reading Presentation and Aspiration: A Hostess’ Job
The Adventures of a Californian-Canadian
It’s interesting, being a Californian in New York City. Although I don’t notice it, New Yorkers say that I have an accent; and, without fail, the magical word ‘California’ evokes images of sandy beaches, tanned bodies, and celebrities. Although I can’t necessarily blame New York; Californians have a similar idea in spirit, if not in specifics, of the Big Apple.
New Yorkers say that I’m a Californian; Californians say that I’m Canadian. It’s a bit of an interesting dichotomy, albeit an understandable one. Talk to me long enough and you’ll understand. The accent never fails to surface. But the question then arises: why on earth does a Californian have a Canadian accent? (And how on earth does someone the colour of sour cream survive in California?) Continue reading The Adventures of a Californian-Canadian
