About the Author

Emily Brignand is a rising junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and minoring in Music at American University. Before moving back to Reno, Nevada, she lived in Xinjiang, China, for seven years, where she completed her elementary school education. Being biliterate and biracial and having lived in China has deepened her appreciation for her Asian heritage and helped build a greater connection to other international people through shared understandings and interrelations.

Emily is a summer intern at the 1882 Foundation, where she is involved in many projects and events to learn and help advocate for the Chinese-American and other AAPI communities. In this "Growing Up Asian" project, Emily shares personal, intimate writings about her journey growing up as a Chinese-American in different societies in hopes of providing a healing space for those who resonate with her stories.