Dynamic philanthropist Roz Koo is originally from Shanghai, but moved to California in 1947. While initially she was at a loss about how to take care of herself, she soon discovered she not only could navigate daily issues, but enjoyed making her own decisions. (see post one). She returned to China just after the Cultural Revolution, and was so disheartened that she promised herself she would stay away from that unrecognizable place. (see post two,) Instead, when new leadership came to China, she started building a bridge and extending her helping hands. She restored her old school to its former glory, and began funding the education of students. She was the brainchild of the Spring Bud program in China, which funded the education of a thousand young girls from the poorest provinces. Meanwhile, back on the home front, she built low-income housing and a senior center in California. (see posts three, four, five.)
After listening to Roz share some of her stories, I asked what advice she would give to other Chinese-Americans who are adapting to their new home. What she gave me was a list I keep on my wall--to remind myself to try to be like this too.
1.
You have every right to be a citizen here.
2.
Don’t pull back. Don’t try to do your own thing. You got to go out and get involved in different ways. You have to understand American psychology. If you don’t go out into the community, you won’t know. I think if you want to belong—and we have the right to be part of this community—and how do we become part of this community? By being there.
3.
Besides your work, you should check out what’s going on in the community. Otherwise, how do you help China besides having a job? You donate a couple of bucks?
4.
The important thing is to VOTE.
5.
Get to know your city council. I knew them before they became city council members. Once you get to know each other, it’s okay.
6.
Do not vacillate. Go forward.
7. If you’re going to do something, do it bold.
8.
When you feel treated unjustly, do not get angry. Keep your humor and keep pushing for what is right.
No comments:
Post a Comment