Discovering my Asian heritage

I am often asked what I will do with a double major in Asian studies and public relations. I ponder over the same question.  The spreading multicultural environment in California and the United States makes studying Asian and other cultures vital.  However, I pursue a degree in Asian studies for personal reasons as well.

My father is Caucasian and my mother is Korean, born and reared in Japan.  Reared and schooled in Japan on a military base through the seventh grade myself, the early exposure to Asian culture and the Japanese language is a solid background for success in Asian studies. I find the study of East Asia especially fascinating.

Before taking the survey courses on East Asia, I viewed the Yin-Yang symbol as a graphic used on T-shirts, or an ankle tattoo favored among college students.  Little did I know that the Yin-Yang symbol represents the balance within the universe.

Yin-Yang is also represented in food, most notably represented to Westerners in the sweet and sour tastes found in Chinese cooking.

The Dao (The Way) is a Chinese notion that includes the philosophy of actionless action; Wu Wei , is an exotic word that I've heard in conversation or read references to in books such  as "I Ching" or "Tao Te Ching" or "Lao Tzu." Today I could explain a little about the philosophy, and understand a little more about the Chinese people.

Perhaps the answer regarding my future will come after studying the East Asian philosophies. For now I will follow Wu Wei as I continue to cultivate myself at school, work, and at home.
Sari Malmquist is an Asian studies and public relations major.