Like many international students, I came to the U.S. for school. As someone who had never left China before, the culture shock was overwhelming. It took years for me—an introvert—to slowly adjust and find a sense of belonging. But even then, I was unsure about my future.

When the pandemic hit, that fragile sense of familiarity disappeared. The rise in anti-Asian hate made me feel scared in a way I’d never experienced. I was anxious doing everyday things like grocery shopping, and the cold stares or hostile remarks from strangers left me on edge. The isolation and fear pushed me to seek connection—to find a community.

I soon connected with like-minded friends and found the courage to organize an anti-Asian hate rally in downtown San Francisco. Despite having no prior experience, over 120 people showed up. The support and solidarity that day filled me with a sense of warmth and strength I’d never felt before.

Soon after, I discovered Society of Heart’s Delight, a community whose mission deeply resonated with me. They not only brought the local Chinese community together, but also worked with other groups to fight back against hate. For the first time, I realized that speaking up and taking action for my community gave me a sense of safety and purpose.

Since then, I’ve become an active part of Society of Hear’s Delight, working with my friends to advocate for Asian Americans and other minority groups.

Now, I can proudly say I’ve found my voice, my direction, and a community that truly feels like home.

跟很多留学生一样，我为了求学来到美国。作为一个从未离开过中国的年轻女孩，巨大的文化差异带给我的陌生感超出了我的想象。性格内向的我花了好几年时间，才慢慢适应在美国的生活，逐渐找到一些归属感。然而，那时的我依然对未来感到迷茫。

疫情的爆发，让美国变得再次陌生起来，甚至陌生的让我害怕。频发的亚裔仇恨事件让我第一次真切的感受到恐惧。那段时间，连去趟超市都让我倍感紧张，陌生人冷漠的目光和敌意言语，时常让我感到不安和焦虑。紧张的社会氛围，和隔离政策带来的孤独感，让我开始主动寻找属于自己的社群。

很快我就认识了一些志同道合的朋友，于是我鼓起勇气组织了一场在旧金山市中心的反对亚裔仇恨集会。虽然没什么组织活动的经验，但当天仍有超过120人到场。大家彼此支持、相互鼓励，那一刻，我感受到前所未有的温暖与力量。

紧接着我发现了愉园社这个社群，他们秉持的信念让我产生很多共鸣。愉园社不仅在当地华人社群积极组织活动，还致力于与其他群体建立联结，携手反对针对亚裔的仇恨行为。我开始意识到，真正能给我带来安全感和归属感的，是积极为自己的社群发声、为共同的价值而行动。

于是我正式加入愉园社，与朋友们一道，为争取亚裔群体以及其他弱势群体的权益，尽自己的一份绵薄之力。

我现在可以自豪地说：我终于找到了自己的声音、人生的方向，以及一个让我深感自豪的社区。