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She code-switched so completely that one day, a childhood friend said, "I forgot you were Chinese."

Lisa Dare grew up Chinese at home and white everywhere else. She spoke the language at home, ate the food, carried the culture through the door, and then learned to leave it there when she walked out. What happened when she stopped doing that is what this episode is about.

In this episode

  • Growing up between two worlds, Chinese at home, white at school
  • Facing racism and finding her voice
  • The moment a childhood friend said, "I forgot you were Chinese."
  • A trip to China that shifted everything
  • What she is doing now to stay connected
  • One tangible step for anyone navigating reconnection

Have a story about your heritage?

Reconnecting, discovering something new, or deciding what to pass on? I’d love to hear it.