ABOUT ME

I'm a Vancouver, BC native and first generation Chinese Canadian. I speak Cantonese with my parents who are from Zhongshan, China. I've always identified more with western than Asian culture. However, my brief 2-week trip to Zhongshan (though not my first time there) in Feb/March 2014 had a huge impact on my Chinese identity. It deepened my interest in Chinese culture and learning more about my roots. Coupled with other life experiences after my return and connecting with others who have stepped out of their comfort zone, I decided go abroad to improve my Chinese in Qingdao, China and to explore more of China. I am now back in my hometown Vancouver for good.

Also, I am passionate about social justice issues from an intersectional perspective and have a strong desire to impact others in the community. I'm also a loud and proud FEMINIST. You can ask me more about that when we meet. :)

PHILOSOPHY

I really value integrity and being true to who you are, your values, and your experiences. Allow yourself to open up to others and be vulnerable because that is how we, as humans, connect and grow together.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I can show you around Vancouver and customize your itinerary based on your interests and goals. We will have fun!

I'm open to staying in a home if I am travelling. I'd also like couchsurfing hosts to show me around the area of my stay and/or travels and explore the hidden gems of the place. I'm open to hangout suggestions. :) And maybe when you want to visit Vancouver (my area of residence), I can show you around too!

Interests

Social justice issues, feminism, singing/karaoke, dancing, connecting with others, reading, reflecting, writing, badminton, board games, being silly, & trying out new restaurants and things to do.

• culture
• writing
• singing
• dancing
• womens rights
• board games
• reading
• socializing
• karaoke
• badminton
• social justice
• r&b

Music, Movies, and Books

Favourite movies: About A Boy, Double Happiness, A Walk to Remember; I also like watching documentaries about social life that get you thinking, comedy, romantic comedy, and drama.

Favourite books: About A Boy (by Nick Hornby), The Macho Paradox (by Jackson Katz), Falling In Love for All the Right Reasons (by Neil Warren), and more.

Music: Mostly R&B and pop (Alicia Keys, Boys II Men, John Legend, Michael Jackson, Babyface, Brian McKnight, Craig David, Brandy, New Edition, Musiq Soulchild, Colbie Caillat, THE BACKSTREET BOYS, Stacie Orrico, Mandy Moore, JoJo, Alexz Johnson, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and more); I also like 90s/00s hip-hop and R&B (so nostalgic!).

Asian artists: Khalil Fong (方大同), Jay Chou (周杰倫), Jay Park, & EXO. Let me know if you know of any similar artists!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This is actually a seemingly simple, small thing but it brings me so much joy every time I think about it: riding the local bus in Zhongshan, China for the first time with my cousin and just the pure bliss of doing something local while whizzing by Zhongshan's scenery and learning more about my cousin's life and Zhongshan through the cellphone photos he showed me (this lasted for almost the entire 30-minute bus ride). This was one of the moments that I began to appreciate my roots and Zhongshan (my parents' hometown) more.

I didn't think that doing such a simple thing like riding the local bus would be so meaningful and memorable. It reminds me that the little things in life are often the most precious.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've learned since high school that you often have to be the one making the initiative to approach people you want to get to know. From my experience, I think many people are afraid of making the first move (I'm not necessarily talking about a romantic interest) for fear of rejection and showing their vulnerability. However, if you give yourself a chance to step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to others, great things often happen! A missed opportunity is often a lost opportunity forever. Don't be that person.

I want to learn more about how I can continue to be a better person and social agent of change. I want to make my community a better space and place where people feel like they belong and are valued. I want to learn from others through their identities, values, stories, passions, and knowledge. These are the things that make up who we are.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Connecting with them and sharing my stories and experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, China