My life is like Ramen

Sitting at my kitchen table as a 9-year-old girl my mother walked over and set two bowls of hot ramen down in front of me and my friend. The bowl was filled with noodles, peas, an egg and tofu. My friend stared at the bowl for a moment before asking what it was, my mom responded “It’s Ramen”. My friend was puzzled and asked if it was the ramen from the orange package?  My mom laughed explained the origin of the dish and how it was her favorite growing up in Japan. In that moment, my face turned bright red and I was washed over with embarrassment and confusion. This was the moment I first realized, my family was a little different from my friends. I hadn’t really realized that eating tofu and egg in my ramen was different. Was it wrong? At a young age I decided it wasn’t. As I have confidently embraced what makes me different I have noticed I have seen other people embrace what makes them different as well. Growing up Asian American in the central United States has helped me develop pride of where I have come from and a confidence in where I am going. I am not intimidated by differences in others. Being open to learning about others brings a much needed open perspective to my life. By developing relationships with others it increases the joy in my life. I have found great value in surrounding myself with those who are different then me. They help me to understand issues and solve problems in unique ways. As I now work in advertising and in life I see my differences as a valuable contribution. I am not afraid to bring my ramen with egg and to the table and I am not afraid when someone else brings theirs.