Identity

 This week, as we set down the graphic novel “The Best we Could Do” by Thi Bui, it is without a doubt that this book far exceeded my former expectations and challenged me to think abstract notions as well as the need to thoughtfully analyze and approach it multifacetedly: motifs, colors, specific pages, symbols, structure.  At the outset, my outlook on this novel was very superficial and simple. However, as Bui progressed through the respective journey of both of her parents, it struck me hard; the saying “like father like son” was indeed concrete: children are the temporary shadows of their parents. What they do and say is a reflection of a parent’s own identity—it is the parent’s duty to uncover and foster their children’s shadow so that they manifest their own identity. However, I also learned that it isn’t just the parents who carry this obligation: additional family members, friends, associates are all pivotal in the manifestation. In Thi Bui’s case, it was the form of her grandparents, siblings, and friends that helped her through this moment. For me, as I’ve traveled all the way to Korea (and writing this in Korea), I believe I’ll be able to elevate my identity by spending time with those close to me and percieve this opportunity a little bit differently than usual—understand my origin and be grateful in the precious moments. Moreover, its believed that an identity is never truly “complete.” It will always evolve and transform through the occasions that will be encountered until the last breath.