I am the girl who is athletic, ambitious and anxious,
the one who is competitive.
Testing my own boundaries.

Coming from China, forced into a new family,
I adapted to the new customs in this country.
Worrying of what my new parents will think of me.

I am the girl who is athletic, ambitious and anxious,
I am the youngest of five children in my new family.
Feeling scared, vulnerable, and unpredictable .
Never knowing what to expect.

From communists to Catholics,
left on the steps of the governor's building—
to a caring, loving family of six.

I am the girl who is athletic, ambitious and anxious,
I am that proud moment my parents feel after I scored a goal—
excited, relieved and happy.
I have found my place and purpose in this world.

From learning my P’s and Q’s and the do’s and don'ts
to learning how to hit the ball with my stick
and from my mistakes—I’m human.

I am the girl who is athletic, ambitious and anxious,
I am the one who is different,
The one who is asian,
The one who is told racist jokes because of who I am.

Coming from a different planet,
I am not judged but loved.
There are perks for being who I am.

I am still the girl who is athletic, ambitious and anxious,
the one who is competitive and the one who is different
Testing my own boundaries.