AAPI Conversations: Yuxiao Long
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we asked AAPI staff members to talk about tradition, identity, and their work at Creative Minds.
Yuxiao Long
Mandarin Teacher: Lower School
Four Years at Creative Minds
What does being Asian or Pacific Islander mean to you?
I am proud of being an Asian. No matter where I go, I feel that I am special and different. Also, I feel, as an Asian, that there are some biases about us. When people ask me questions, I am always ready to explain my culture and my vision.
What is your favorite cultural tradition?
My favorite tradition is to celebrate Chinese New Year with families. We make dumplings together, have sunflower seeds and peanuts, and watch the New Year’s Eve Gala on TV.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
As a Mandarin teacher, I am proud that more and more students and families are open to Chinese culture and love to learn more Mandarin.
Beyond your Asian or Pacific Islander heritage, what other identities do you hold dear?
I am also an educator and a new mom.