Yuki, a cool person to be around!
I met Yuki four years ago when she fed me with my fav spicy-ass Habanera pizza. She’s one of the most positive and kind people I’ve met in New York. Whenever I see her, I cannot resist to hug her tiny body while terrified not to break any of her bones. Our relationship was rather casual, based on small talk which is not my favorite form of communication. This blog was a trigger for us to cut the bs and move on to the big talk. Throughout one evening I got to know that beautiful person better than over the course of the last four years. I cannot share the whole story, but let me give you an idea of who she is.
Yuki has been working hard since she was seventeen. When she turned eighteen, she was completely on her own in the huge city of Hong Kong where she comes from. She paid for her college on her own. She was supporting herself while living in a tiny apartment that cost her an arm and leg. She graduated though and when given a chance to move to New York, she did not hesitate. The decision to leave China was bitter-sweet though because her beloved lil brother had to stay.
Despite growing up very early and feeling responsible for her brother, Yuki kept her child-like energy and curiosity. That’s why we met in a cool, colorful place where we could simply let it go and have fun. I hope you’ll enjoy looking at the shots as much as we enjoyed taking them!
I had a woman-to-woman talk with Yuki. I enjoyed it so much! Many of the things she said resonated with me so much as I am an immigrant too. Being in New York is tough at times, but as long as I get to meet and connect with people like her I’m down for it. Yuki is such a positive person despite all difficulties she’s been through. I wish I had her interpersonal skills and the easiness to approach people. Also, the ability to yell at people in Italian if necessary (LOL)! I asked Yuki my three questions. Please enjoy the fruits of our conversation.
AsW: When did you make yourself proud the most?
Y: Uhmm.. wow.. There was a lot of moments when I made myself proud.. I think the most proud I was when I brought my brother to New York. We don’t come from a wealthy family, we’d been on welfare since I was a child. Leaving our country was a very hard thing to do. I was really proud that I had the ability to get him out of that.. you know.. not a good place. He was very lost, I think he still is. I asked him the other day what would he do with his life if I died and he got the insurance money. He didn’t know. This is something I am sad about and I would really want him to figure out his life. I cannot guide him and move him forward forever. Nonetheless, I was very proud of myself that I had the ability to bring him here and take care of him for a couple of years, put him on the right track, put him back to school.
AsW: What do you appreciate the most in other women? Can you give an example of a person who embodies that?
Y: Probably.. unconditional love that women can give to their kids. There’s a lot of selfish mothers, but there’s also a lot of the loving ones. Women who love unconditionally are very kind, sometimes they even put others first. Unconditional love makes them go further. You know, when you love like that you forget how tired you are and keep moving forward despite the pain. I’ve seen a lot of women like that here. My friends, for instance, are like that and I really appreciate it. I wish my mom were like that too, but luckily my grandma definitely is. She is great! the best!
AsW: In your opinion, what do we have in common the most as women, despite of our different background or culture?
Y: I just had a conversation about it with my friends the other day. I think all women despite of cultural background or age have a pure heart of a princess. We need someone to love us, spoil us. Even if we are tough, face issues, and tolerate pain, in the end of the day we need someone to treat us like a little princess. We always have this piece of our heart, very small, hidden in the back. We need this important person in our lives to treat us well and appreciate what we do for them.
PS.
Yuki,
Thank you so much for getting on board three years ago when I mentioned you about the blog. Your enthusiasm and support are priceless. Thank you for your patience and for the fact that your word really means something. I had a lot of fun with you and there’s so much more to have, cuz you’re my friend now. Huge congrats on your driving license and a new, big car that could fit fifteen of you! Also, good luck with your motorbike driving license! Can’t waits for that ride you’ll give me ;P All the best bae!
with love,
Anja
Unexpected.. My favorite!
