ABSTRACT
This chapter chronicles Amy's educational trajectory, the role her parents played in her schooling and aspirations, and the ways in which she negotiated and challenged cultural stereotypes about her capabilities as a young Chinese woman. Her story provides insights into how membership in or constructs of an ethnoracial group—in this case, Chinese Panamanian immigrants—serve to shape their schooling and educational needs, interests, and aspirations, their sense of belonging to that group, and their eventual academic, occupational, and social achievements. Amy's story also points to her personal struggles in maintaining family pride and avoiding the stigma associated with particular educational and occupational choices as a high school and university student. After graduating with a degree in human resources, Amy found a way to “be on my own and not rely on anyone else.” She eventually decided to “leave the board room” and explore a career in culinary arts, where she combines her human resources skills with her interest in hospitality and her love and passion for food.
