Grew Up Chinese in Panama - Never Knew I Was a Hyphen

Grew Up Chinese in Panama - Never Knew I Was a Hyphen

How many people spend their lives discovering: Who Am I? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Jaime Cham reflects on growing up as a Spanish speaking 3rd-generation Chinese Panamanian, moving to the US and then working and living in Asia. He always thought of himself as Chinese—until he met Chinese people from other parts of the world. This is a thoughtful conversation about identity and raising his multicultural sons in an increasingly connected world.

At 24, I Bought a House…Then Worked 3 Jobs to Survive

What does survival mode actually look like? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Sophie Lee opens up about burnout, financial pressure, and the years she spent pushing herself past her limits just to keep going. From working multiple jobs to breaking down crying in the street—this is a conversation about self-reliance, survival mode, and what happens when your entire life becomes work. Sometimes strength comes from believing nobody else will save you.

This Asian father chose a different way to love his children

What makes someone different from the generation or culture they grew up in? In this heartwarming clip from#OldAsianLady, Sterling Hsaio reflects on Aging, Independence and Parenting. While many Asian parents are known for being strict, controlling, or heavily focused on academic achievement, he chose a different approach. Perhaps influenced by his early love of English with Western ideas and his own unique personality—instead of expecting his children to fulfill his dreams, he believed they should have space to become themselves—even if their choices were completely different from what he imagined. Sometimes the most loving thing a parent can do… is letting go.

Surviving Losing My Dream Job and My Mom's Stage 4 Cancer

What do you do when life keeps forcing you to change direction? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, animator and filmmaker JJ Chen opens up about rejection, failure, and trying to rebuild his life while dealing with his mother's cancer diagnosis. After losing 2 projects that later went on to receive Oscar nominations, JJ returned to Taiwan hoping to regroup and focus on his own creative work. Instead, he found himself staying indefinitely to support his mother through illness and uncertainty. Now at 45, he reflects on creative burnout, financial instability and the philosophy that has helped him endure difficult periods in life.

I Wasn't "Lazy", "Shy" or "Not Trying Hard Enough": Found Out Why at 25

What happens when you grow up feeling like something is “off”… but no one can tell you why? In this clip from #OldAsianLady, Mrinal Gakhale shares what it was like growing up undiagnosed with autism—and being labeled as someone who just wasn’t trying hard enough. Facing social challenges and bullying, her experience highlights how autism can go unrecognized, especially in girls. It wasn’t until the age of 25 that she finally received a diagnosis that helped her make sense of her life. This is a powerful conversation about identity, understanding, and the importance of being seen.