The first time was the day I had a fight with my older brother and ran away from home. It was scary. I was not even 8. This was in Guangzhou, I only retroactively learned how common kidnappings are in China (caused by the One Child Policy… and yea my parents violated the rule and gave birth to me).

The day when I first ride in a plane. It was to JFK airport NYC for immigration to the US. I barely remember a thing (I was like 8-10 at the time, I think?), but it feel so strange being lifted away from the ground. Felt like magic. This is probably the moment that defined my political views, my entire life. This is the moment the timeline has split. There’s probably a timeline somewhere I didn’t end up in the US for some reason, and probably ended up in prison for shit-talking the CCP.

The day I moved to Philadelphia (about 5 years after arriving in the US). Similar, but less significant as literally moving countries. Although, my memories of this day is much clearer. I remember more of the 2 hour car ride than the 10+ hour plane ride. Philadelphia houses were much cheaper. In NYC you basically had to rent forever. Multi-family houses were terrible. Apartments in Guangzhou was also terrible (also no elevators lol). Feels like you have a “Base” for the first time. It was the first time I ever had a bedroom for my self.