Growing up, I always believed that I knew who I was–Ada Li: spawn of Chinese immigrants, born and raised in New York City–but eventually I realized that those were just facts that don’t really say anything about who I am.
I’d like to say that I know who I am, but I kind of really don’t. I am am many things, but they are ‘whats,’ not ‘whos.’ I am a culinary junkie, a writer, a human rights activist and an explicit Atheist, but what probably defines me the most is that I am a history enthusiast. From Ancient Egypt to Marie Antoinette, I find everything in the past fascinating, so usually when I’m asked to define myself, that’s what I tell people. I like history so much, I even want to major in it. But what does that make me after I get my history degree? A history teacher? A non-fiction writer? The same as I am now?
I don’t really know who I am or what I am going to become. Starting college hasn’t helped in the slightest bit either, as I now have no time for anything. Heck, I’m so busy that I usually only have enough time to eat once a day (or less). I’m not upset, however. That’s just the way life is.
Self-discovery is a lifelong journey. I’ll find the time to figure out who I am. …Someday.
