My Story in America
Dr. Esther Lee's Interview by Debbie Chen
on the Brief History of OCA/Houston Chapter
on May 19,2023
50th anniversary interview questions proposed by Debbie Chen. Dr. Esther Lee was interviewed on May 19, 2023, in Houston.
Intro Self - Name, OCA Roles/Presidency terms and what you do now for career/work
Thanks for inviting me, Debbie. I am the founder of Houston Chapter in 1979 and the second president in 1980. Now, I am about 80 yr. old and have happily retired for nearly 18 years. Debbie, may I use my cheat notes as President Biden does?
What made you interested in joining OCA?
The short answer is because of President Carter’s recognition of China in December 1978.
However, as a founder of OCA/Houston, I’d like to share a very interesting short story here. Historically, the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, stopped legal Chinese immigrants coming to here until 1965, except some people like refugees, or diplomats from China. The descendants of those early immigrants before 1882 had settled in the US for 2-3 generations, mainly in the metropolitan areas like San Francisco and NYC. In 1949, after the Communist Party took over Mainland China, millions of Chinese evacuated to Taiwan. While the iron curtain was closed in Mainland China, people in Taiwan were free to study abroad only for graduate studies, including the US. However, the requirements were very rigorous including passing strenuous tests, documents of financial support, and admissions from American universities. Consequently, many of them earned their doctoral degrees, especially in the areas of science and engineering. On Oct 3, 1965, President Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act. This new law allowed these highly educated Chinese from Taiwan to apply for permanent residence through their employers.
Yet, these outstanding and competent professional immigrants were new to this western country. They encountered many professional, language, cultural and economic challenges during their assimilation. President Carter’s “surprise” recognition of China in 1978 was my personal wake-up call. Being a professor for multicultural education, I immediately felt the dire needs to have a powerful national organization to voice our concerns just as most influential Jewish groups. We needed more access to President Carter’s White House. So, it became my personal long-term commitment with great compassion and conviction.
How did you get involved with OCA?
I am a doer not a talker nor a dreamer for my committed endeavors. Instead of organizing a new group myself, I searched for an existing national organization that shared the goals of voicing Chinese Americans’ concerns and interests. After I found the National OCA in Washington, DC. I contacted the founder, K L Wang and the Executive Director, Hayden Lee in February 1979.
How and/or where do you think OCA has made an impact?
There are many issues and events. Since we are now in the midst of May celebration of Asian-Pacific Heritage, let me share a little background of it. Back to Oct. 5, 1978, President Carter signed a joint resolution designating Asian-Pacific Heritage Week as an annual celebration. Locally, as the acting President of OCA/Houston, I expressed our Chapter’s appreciation to Houston Mayor Jim McConn and Governor Bill Clements for their local Proclamations. Later, we made greater progress in the political arena. Personally, in 1980, I joined the Republican Party campaigning for President Reagan’s first term and rallied Asian Americans nationwide to voice our needs and interests. During Reagan’s presidency, the White House held briefings periodically for Asian American leaders under his assistant, Rudy Besarra’s leadership. Twelve years later, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush extended the weeklong celebration of Asian/Pacific Heritage into the entire month of MAY. That shows our progress and achievement.
What major issues, events or activities defined your term?
Let me share the beginning of our civil and political involvements in Houston. Briefly, between 1979 and 1981, several Vietnamese-owned shrimp boats were burned in the Galveston Bay area - fires that arson investigators later determined were intentionally set. Glenda Joe got me involved in quieting this violence. Later, I convinced Houston Mayor, Kathy Whitmire (1982-1991) to form an Asian American Advisory Committee in her office. She also asked me to teach Asian culture at the Houston Police Academy and appointed me to serve on the Criminal Justice Committee under Police Chief Lee Brown. Since then, many Asian Americans have gained greater access to the City Government in various departments, especially in the areas of commerce and city planning. I witnessed Asian Americans’ growing influence and louder voices in the political arena since 1980s.
In addition, OCA/Houston sponsored workshops related to small business, political participation, and fundraising activities such as Chinese cooking classes for none-Chinese Americans.
How has your involvement with OCA helped you in your career?
Indirectly, I can say it built up my political confidence and networking skills nationwide. My career is mainly in Higher Education as UHCL professor for 17 years, and 8 years as department chair and dean of the graduate school at 2 other universities. My late husband used to ask, “You are a tenured professor and not discriminated at UHCL. Why are you so involved in civil and political activities?” My answer was, not for me but for other people and future generations. During my academic leaves, I was appointed by Governor Clements to be a board member of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and then appointed by the first President Bush to the US Department of Education as a Deputy Director.
What is a fun story you can share from your time with OCA?
Yes, it is about speaking English to other Chinese Americans. Funny? As an immigrant, it’s very natural to speak Chinese, my mother-tongue, with fellow Chinese Americans because of their similar facial features. It was really a challenge for me to remember using English, not Chinese, at OCA meetings in front of American born Chinese attendees. Although I started the Houston Chapter with mainly Chinese immigrant friends from Taiwan, I wanted to reach out to other American born Chinese, including inviting Mr. William Der Bing to be the first OCA/Houston president.
What are the things you are most proud of during your term or as a member?
Being the Founder and President of Houston chapter, I witnessed that Asian Americans began to gain louder voices and more influence in the city and state governments since 1980s as mentioned earlier.
What is your fondest memory of serving on the board? SKIP this
With the current anti-Asian hate landscape crystal ball - what more could OCA do/what more can we do now?
I would like to urge everyone to enhance positive energy for peaceful racial interactions. Make concerted efforts to promote better cultural understanding among all racial groups. With various subgroups among Asian Americans, we need to unite by focusing on our common goals and interests not our differences regardless of our origins, birth places or even ideology. Maximize the positive things and minimize the negative things.
What do you hope to see OCA do in the next 50 years?
Are you joking? I am approaching 80 years old and won’t be here that long!!! Seriously, we need to become stronger financially. Money talks. As I mentioned that the founding members of OCA/Houston, were mainly salaried professionals. We tried many fundraisers through various means, including the popular Chinese cooking classes for local Americans. Fortunately, today we have many wealthy, successful, and accomplished businessmen and entrepreneurs. We still can learn more from the Jewish Americans, whose financial and political influences are out of proportion of their population.
In a sentence or two, state what OCA means to you?
It helped me grow as a minority member with greater racial sensitivity. Today, I am coincidentally visiting two former OCA/Houston members. May I have them say a few words about their OCA/Houston experiences back more than 40 years ago?
&&&&&&&&&&&
FYI, my original documents about OCA/Houston are archived at Rice University’s Fondren Library. Again, thanks for this opportunity to share a short history of OCA/Houston.
on the Brief History of OCA/Houston Chapter
on May 19,2023
50th anniversary interview questions proposed by Debbie Chen. Dr. Esther Lee was interviewed on May 19, 2023, in Houston.
Intro Self - Name, OCA Roles/Presidency terms and what you do now for career/work
Thanks for inviting me, Debbie. I am the founder of Houston Chapter in 1979 and the second president in 1980. Now, I am about 80 yr. old and have happily retired for nearly 18 years. Debbie, may I use my cheat notes as President Biden does?
What made you interested in joining OCA?
The short answer is because of President Carter’s recognition of China in December 1978.
However, as a founder of OCA/Houston, I’d like to share a very interesting short story here. Historically, the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, stopped legal Chinese immigrants coming to here until 1965, except some people like refugees, or diplomats from China. The descendants of those early immigrants before 1882 had settled in the US for 2-3 generations, mainly in the metropolitan areas like San Francisco and NYC. In 1949, after the Communist Party took over Mainland China, millions of Chinese evacuated to Taiwan. While the iron curtain was closed in Mainland China, people in Taiwan were free to study abroad only for graduate studies, including the US. However, the requirements were very rigorous including passing strenuous tests, documents of financial support, and admissions from American universities. Consequently, many of them earned their doctoral degrees, especially in the areas of science and engineering. On Oct 3, 1965, President Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act. This new law allowed these highly educated Chinese from Taiwan to apply for permanent residence through their employers.
Yet, these outstanding and competent professional immigrants were new to this western country. They encountered many professional, language, cultural and economic challenges during their assimilation. President Carter’s “surprise” recognition of China in 1978 was my personal wake-up call. Being a professor for multicultural education, I immediately felt the dire needs to have a powerful national organization to voice our concerns just as most influential Jewish groups. We needed more access to President Carter’s White House. So, it became my personal long-term commitment with great compassion and conviction.
How did you get involved with OCA?
I am a doer not a talker nor a dreamer for my committed endeavors. Instead of organizing a new group myself, I searched for an existing national organization that shared the goals of voicing Chinese Americans’ concerns and interests. After I found the National OCA in Washington, DC. I contacted the founder, K L Wang and the Executive Director, Hayden Lee in February 1979.
How and/or where do you think OCA has made an impact?
There are many issues and events. Since we are now in the midst of May celebration of Asian-Pacific Heritage, let me share a little background of it. Back to Oct. 5, 1978, President Carter signed a joint resolution designating Asian-Pacific Heritage Week as an annual celebration. Locally, as the acting President of OCA/Houston, I expressed our Chapter’s appreciation to Houston Mayor Jim McConn and Governor Bill Clements for their local Proclamations. Later, we made greater progress in the political arena. Personally, in 1980, I joined the Republican Party campaigning for President Reagan’s first term and rallied Asian Americans nationwide to voice our needs and interests. During Reagan’s presidency, the White House held briefings periodically for Asian American leaders under his assistant, Rudy Besarra’s leadership. Twelve years later, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush extended the weeklong celebration of Asian/Pacific Heritage into the entire month of MAY. That shows our progress and achievement.
What major issues, events or activities defined your term?
Let me share the beginning of our civil and political involvements in Houston. Briefly, between 1979 and 1981, several Vietnamese-owned shrimp boats were burned in the Galveston Bay area - fires that arson investigators later determined were intentionally set. Glenda Joe got me involved in quieting this violence. Later, I convinced Houston Mayor, Kathy Whitmire (1982-1991) to form an Asian American Advisory Committee in her office. She also asked me to teach Asian culture at the Houston Police Academy and appointed me to serve on the Criminal Justice Committee under Police Chief Lee Brown. Since then, many Asian Americans have gained greater access to the City Government in various departments, especially in the areas of commerce and city planning. I witnessed Asian Americans’ growing influence and louder voices in the political arena since 1980s.
In addition, OCA/Houston sponsored workshops related to small business, political participation, and fundraising activities such as Chinese cooking classes for none-Chinese Americans.
How has your involvement with OCA helped you in your career?
Indirectly, I can say it built up my political confidence and networking skills nationwide. My career is mainly in Higher Education as UHCL professor for 17 years, and 8 years as department chair and dean of the graduate school at 2 other universities. My late husband used to ask, “You are a tenured professor and not discriminated at UHCL. Why are you so involved in civil and political activities?” My answer was, not for me but for other people and future generations. During my academic leaves, I was appointed by Governor Clements to be a board member of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and then appointed by the first President Bush to the US Department of Education as a Deputy Director.
What is a fun story you can share from your time with OCA?
Yes, it is about speaking English to other Chinese Americans. Funny? As an immigrant, it’s very natural to speak Chinese, my mother-tongue, with fellow Chinese Americans because of their similar facial features. It was really a challenge for me to remember using English, not Chinese, at OCA meetings in front of American born Chinese attendees. Although I started the Houston Chapter with mainly Chinese immigrant friends from Taiwan, I wanted to reach out to other American born Chinese, including inviting Mr. William Der Bing to be the first OCA/Houston president.
What are the things you are most proud of during your term or as a member?
Being the Founder and President of Houston chapter, I witnessed that Asian Americans began to gain louder voices and more influence in the city and state governments since 1980s as mentioned earlier.
What is your fondest memory of serving on the board? SKIP this
With the current anti-Asian hate landscape crystal ball - what more could OCA do/what more can we do now?
I would like to urge everyone to enhance positive energy for peaceful racial interactions. Make concerted efforts to promote better cultural understanding among all racial groups. With various subgroups among Asian Americans, we need to unite by focusing on our common goals and interests not our differences regardless of our origins, birth places or even ideology. Maximize the positive things and minimize the negative things.
What do you hope to see OCA do in the next 50 years?
Are you joking? I am approaching 80 years old and won’t be here that long!!! Seriously, we need to become stronger financially. Money talks. As I mentioned that the founding members of OCA/Houston, were mainly salaried professionals. We tried many fundraisers through various means, including the popular Chinese cooking classes for local Americans. Fortunately, today we have many wealthy, successful, and accomplished businessmen and entrepreneurs. We still can learn more from the Jewish Americans, whose financial and political influences are out of proportion of their population.
In a sentence or two, state what OCA means to you?
It helped me grow as a minority member with greater racial sensitivity. Today, I am coincidentally visiting two former OCA/Houston members. May I have them say a few words about their OCA/Houston experiences back more than 40 years ago?
&&&&&&&&&&&
FYI, my original documents about OCA/Houston are archived at Rice University’s Fondren Library. Again, thanks for this opportunity to share a short history of OCA/Houston.
Laura Chiu 林冠瑜(1969)
每個人都有一個故事.在美國華裔移民奮鬥的過程,每個人有不同的經歷和應對的方法。林冠瑜(1969)給我們很多親身的經歷和成就感。使我們的美國夢可以因個人正面的態度和思想而成真.#我們移民在美國的故事

- Laura Chiu
- Career Goals: Efficiently managing library, documents, records information online and sharing resources
- Personal Goals: Live a meaning life and inspire people to live a happy and healthy life
- Work Experiences:
- LYONDELL-CITGO Refining LP, Houston, TX Apr. 1993 –June 2008
- Library & Document Services Supervisor
- - Implemented and managed electronic document management system (Livelink),
- records management database (iRIMS), records retention schedule, and library
- catalog.
- - Administered library and document daily operations, supervised employees
- NASA John Space Center 1983-1992
- Science & Technical Information (STI) Center Supervisor
- - Supervised 15 professional and support staff, created operation plan, and identified
- staffing requirements for contract start-up.
- - Wrote STI Center operating procedures and work flowcharts.
- - Implemented automated library integrated system to improve document access,
- retrieval
- and circulating of 35,000 books, journals, and videotapes.
- Lunar & Planetary Institute 1976-1983
- -Assistant Librarian cataloging and processing books and journals
- Education:
- - M.A. Library Science and Education 1978
- University of Houston/Clear Lake
- - Post graduate work in Business and Library Administration 1969-70
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- - B.A. English Language and Literature 1968
- University of Chinese Culture, Taiwan, Republic of China
- - Attended a variety of technical and management training
- Awards:
- - Operational Excellence Recognition of Distinctive Effort, 2005
- - EPIC Award – Houston Refining (HRO), 2000
- - HRO Executive Award for Contributions to the Document Control Team, 1995
- - HRO Safety Awareness Committee Member, 1998-2000
- - Outstanding Performance Award - Hernandez Engineering, Inc., 1991
- - Outstanding Young Woman of America, 1981
- Publications:
- - Records Retention Schedule, 2007
- - Livelink Training Manual, 2004
- - Library and Records Management Procedures, 1999
- - Procedures Manual: A Guideline for Developing Standard Operating Procedures, 1995
- - NASA JSC Technical Library Operating Procedures, 1988

刘丽容博士
刘丽容博士曾任圣地亚哥州立大学言语语言听力科学研究院教授及中国研究所所长,现任圣地亚哥州立大中华文化中心院长。刘教授亦曾是圣地亚哥州立大学基金会董事,曾任美国言语语言听力学会(ASHA: American Speech Language and Hearing Association)多元文化委员会主席及国际语音及音声教育委员会(IALP: International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics)的主席,并出任IALP主席。她是ASHA的资深会员并于2013年11月中旬在芝加哥召开的美国语言言语听力学会年会上,荣获该协会最高荣誉奖,成为获此殊荣的首位华人。
刘教授曾任Phi Beta Delta国际荣誉学者学会会长。她曾多次获得圣地亚哥州立大学和各类专业组织颁发的各种奖项,并获选为密歇根州立大学杰出校友。她同时也是美国语言听力协会(ASHA)的院士。基于对多元文化议题的特别贡献,刘博士于1997年获颁美国言语语言听力学会(ASHA)多元文化成就奖,并于2002年获得加州语言听力学会多元文化贡献奖。她是许多主要专业期刊的编辑委员,曾发表许多文章,并于世界各地讲学。2007年,刘教授的论文得到全美特殊儿童学会优秀著作奖。她曾针对不同的人群和地区、环境教授中文。在2010年,她获得了亚裔传统基金会颁发的人道主义奖。2012年,她获得了圣地亚哥州立大学颁发给杰出校友的蒙蒂奖。 并于2013年获得了CAPCSD颁发的多元奖。她也曾任芝麻街公司和蒂芙尼公司的资深顾问。
刘博士发表和出版了许多关于在最佳语言学见环境中进行语言学习和语言教学的文章和书籍。她也出版了根据中国民间故事改编的十二生肖故事书。她经常针对语言学习和语言教学的话题发表主题演讲。目前,她所发表的研究报告超过150篇,并出版了大量书籍。
刘丽容博士曾任圣地亚哥州立大学言语语言听力科学研究院教授及中国研究所所长,现任圣地亚哥州立大中华文化中心院长。刘教授亦曾是圣地亚哥州立大学基金会董事,曾任美国言语语言听力学会(ASHA: American Speech Language and Hearing Association)多元文化委员会主席及国际语音及音声教育委员会(IALP: International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics)的主席,并出任IALP主席。她是ASHA的资深会员并于2013年11月中旬在芝加哥召开的美国语言言语听力学会年会上,荣获该协会最高荣誉奖,成为获此殊荣的首位华人。
刘教授曾任Phi Beta Delta国际荣誉学者学会会长。她曾多次获得圣地亚哥州立大学和各类专业组织颁发的各种奖项,并获选为密歇根州立大学杰出校友。她同时也是美国语言听力协会(ASHA)的院士。基于对多元文化议题的特别贡献,刘博士于1997年获颁美国言语语言听力学会(ASHA)多元文化成就奖,并于2002年获得加州语言听力学会多元文化贡献奖。她是许多主要专业期刊的编辑委员,曾发表许多文章,并于世界各地讲学。2007年,刘教授的论文得到全美特殊儿童学会优秀著作奖。她曾针对不同的人群和地区、环境教授中文。在2010年,她获得了亚裔传统基金会颁发的人道主义奖。2012年,她获得了圣地亚哥州立大学颁发给杰出校友的蒙蒂奖。 并于2013年获得了CAPCSD颁发的多元奖。她也曾任芝麻街公司和蒂芙尼公司的资深顾问。
刘博士发表和出版了许多关于在最佳语言学见环境中进行语言学习和语言教学的文章和书籍。她也出版了根据中国民间故事改编的十二生肖故事书。她经常针对语言学习和语言教学的话题发表主题演讲。目前,她所发表的研究报告超过150篇,并出版了大量书籍。
Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng
Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng is the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University. She served as Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Executive Director of Chinese Studies Institute at SDSU. Professor Cheng served as a member of the board of trustees of the Campanile Foundation of SDSU. She is the past chair of the Multicultural Issues Board for the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the chair of the Education Committee for the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP). She is a Fellow of ASHA and received the Honors of ASHA. She served as the past president of IALP.
Professor Cheng was the past President of the Phi Beta Delta Chapter at SDSU. She has received many awards from SDSU and professional organizations. She was selected as the outstanding alumnus of Michigan State University. She is also a Fellow of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Cheng is the recipient of the 1997 ASHA Award for special contributions to Multicultural Affairs and the recipient of the 2002 Diversity Award from the California Speech & Hearing Association. She is on the editorial board of several major professional journals. She has numerous professional publications and has lectured all over the world. In 2007, she received the best research article award from the Council of Exceptional Children. She has taught Chinese to individuals across the life span in a multitude of settings. In 2010, she received the Humanitarian Award from the Asian Heritage Foundation. She received the 2012 Monty’s Award from SDSU. She received the 2013 Diversity Award from CAPCSD. She served as consultant for Sesame Street and Tiffany and Company.
She served as the Chair of the International Affair Board of the City of San Diego for ten years and the Chair of the Asian Pacific Historical Thematic District for the City of San Diego. She also served for the State of California as the Chair of the Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology and a member of the California Health Foundation.
Dr. Cheng has published numerous articles and books on cross-cultural communication, language learning and language teaching focusing on the development of an optimal language learning environment (OLLE). She is a frequent keynote speaker on the topic of cultural diversity, East meets West, language learning and language teaching and language disorders. Professor Cheng has traveled globally and in the last decade she has lectured in multiple universities in China. She holds professorships in Beijing University, Beijing Normal University, Guangzhou University, Zhongshan University, Chongqing University and other institutes of higher education.
For more than three decades, Dr. Cheng has organized delegations and tours to China and Asia. She also led student summer programs in China. She is a faculty member of the International Program (IP) which holds summer programs mostly in Europe. Her passion is researching, teaching and learning. In 2020, she returned to the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and is now serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng is the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University. She served as Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Executive Director of Chinese Studies Institute at SDSU. Professor Cheng served as a member of the board of trustees of the Campanile Foundation of SDSU. She is the past chair of the Multicultural Issues Board for the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the chair of the Education Committee for the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP). She is a Fellow of ASHA and received the Honors of ASHA. She served as the past president of IALP.
Professor Cheng was the past President of the Phi Beta Delta Chapter at SDSU. She has received many awards from SDSU and professional organizations. She was selected as the outstanding alumnus of Michigan State University. She is also a Fellow of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Cheng is the recipient of the 1997 ASHA Award for special contributions to Multicultural Affairs and the recipient of the 2002 Diversity Award from the California Speech & Hearing Association. She is on the editorial board of several major professional journals. She has numerous professional publications and has lectured all over the world. In 2007, she received the best research article award from the Council of Exceptional Children. She has taught Chinese to individuals across the life span in a multitude of settings. In 2010, she received the Humanitarian Award from the Asian Heritage Foundation. She received the 2012 Monty’s Award from SDSU. She received the 2013 Diversity Award from CAPCSD. She served as consultant for Sesame Street and Tiffany and Company.
She served as the Chair of the International Affair Board of the City of San Diego for ten years and the Chair of the Asian Pacific Historical Thematic District for the City of San Diego. She also served for the State of California as the Chair of the Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology and a member of the California Health Foundation.
Dr. Cheng has published numerous articles and books on cross-cultural communication, language learning and language teaching focusing on the development of an optimal language learning environment (OLLE). She is a frequent keynote speaker on the topic of cultural diversity, East meets West, language learning and language teaching and language disorders. Professor Cheng has traveled globally and in the last decade she has lectured in multiple universities in China. She holds professorships in Beijing University, Beijing Normal University, Guangzhou University, Zhongshan University, Chongqing University and other institutes of higher education.
For more than three decades, Dr. Cheng has organized delegations and tours to China and Asia. She also led student summer programs in China. She is a faculty member of the International Program (IP) which holds summer programs mostly in Europe. Her passion is researching, teaching and learning. In 2020, she returned to the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and is now serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
Esther Lee's Interview by We Chinese in America October 2022 Issue #253

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Q:過去半個世紀你在美國作為華人你學到了什麼? 就像其他許多當年和我一起來的留學生和移民,都有 一些共同自然生長的過程,包括在語言和文化的雙重挑 戰、最重要的就是學習美國人溝通的技巧,包括語言寫讀 和肢體語言各方面的溝通。同時也要了解美國的心態特 徵,不只是外型的生活方式飲食習慣風俗人情,還有包括 內在的道德價值觀甚至於家庭的觀念,宗教思想,政治理 念等等。在這一方面和中國傳統文化有很大的差異,特別 是在教養下一代的孩子、又要學中文,又要保持中國的傳 統家庭思想活習慣、甚至逢年過節的習慣,都常常成為一 個家庭爭議的話題。我相信大家多少都有同感。 但是個人方面,我覺得忽略了人際關係的聯絡網。或 許受到傳統的家庭教育,影響我們兄弟姐妹從小就認為憑 本事來發展,創業而不是靠關係或人情來取得工作的機 會。來到美國之後、舉目無親、這種觀念更使我感到需要 憑自己的真本事努力。直到我參加了美華婦女協會才知道 要開展人際網絡、建立人脈關係、不要單打獨斗、要多多 和別人接觸、聯絡形成一個小團體或大團體來支撐事業或 工作方面的發展。但是當時我沒有一個導師來指出這種聯 絡網的重要性和建立拓廣,而給予指教、包括如何向樹根 一樣的在地下生根延伸擴張。如果我是一棵樹我可以有很 多的根來支持我、辦起事來和發展方面就可以得到充分營 養的滋潤和支持。回顧我當年競選國會議員的時候、受到 全國華裔的支持、包括十四個外埠籌款餐會、既使他們不 認得我、也慷慨解囊相助。然而我忽略了向美國朋友們或 者是共和黨內的領導人開口,向他們請求經濟和技術方面 的協助。由於是白宮政策主任Ron Kaufman要我出來競選, 我應該向他提出各方面的協助、但是我卻沒有利用這個現 成的機會和人脈。只是乖乖地聽從他的指示回到休士頓展開競選活動。這就是反應 我個人的想法、自以為要憑本事,而不是要看關係或拉關 係來達到目的。錯!錯!錯! 如今,我仍然繼續學習對付洋人的技巧、無論是在語 言上的溝通或是非語言方面的溝通。洋人的溝通方法和思 考的程序和我們中國人必竟有差別。
Q:你在教育界多年,作到了院長,給現在進入學術界的華人什麼樣的指導? 在教育界服務多年、我發覺正如很多人指出:高等教 育的政治手挽和操作比其他任何一個行業都複雜和超越。 可惜當時我年輕無知、以為只要努力教書贏得好的評價、 努力申請各種不同的研究補助經費,以便可以有研究計劃和發表論文。自 然在服務方面、由於語言文化的障礙、很難充分的打入學 術界的團體、但是也盡力而為。記得我們是在一個學術研 討會中相遇認識的?從此您給我在事業上和競選上有無限 的幫助和支持。我感到最遺憾的就是沒有一個導師來指導 我的發展。既使非正式的都沒有。我相信這和我當年畢業 以後、沒有立即開始就業有關係、因為我畢業以後,有四 年在家裡面做全時間的家庭主婦、生兒育女。這四年中我 就失去了和教授們的聯繫,基本上就是脫節了。加上當時 婦女就業也不認為是有必要的。
Q:你努力不懈背後是怎麼樣的精神支撐? 希望我的回答不會引起某些讀者們的反感和質疑。坦 白的說、我最大的生命和工作的動力是來自於我基督徒的信仰。無論在家庭、就業、社區各處生活所扮演不同的 角色,都是倚靠我的信仰。因為我從小受到父母的宗教薰 陶,認為應該遵守聖經上的教訓、要做個好的管家、管理 神所賜給我們所有的資源,包括智慧,健康,頭腦,金 錢,各個方面。要盡力而為、因為做一切事情都是要對神負責 任、要誠實有原則,謙卑,和平等等。因此、我的生命 中總是有個目標。無論外界的環境多麼的凶險或動盪、 我的心還是安靜穩扎穩打,信靠神的帶領。因此、我到 如今還可以避免很多老年人所經歷的沮喪心情、我還是 仍然努力,積極地往前尋求神的旨意:做他要我做的 事、所以基本上,我可以用一個英文字JOY代表我一身的原 則。J(Jesus)是為耶穌O(Others)是為別人Y(Yourself)是 為自己。當我們把個人的好處擺在最後一位,我們就會有 更積極的態度和喜樂的心情來面對現在和未來。
Q:你今後10年有什麼計劃? 這個問題的簡單回答是沒有計劃!因為我都不知道我未 來的健康?會留在人間有多久?但是我相信神知道。所以我 盡量珍惜神給我每一段時間。每一天我都準備好可以沒有 慚愧地面對我的神。因此,我每一天早上起來後、就有很 多要做的事情擺在眼前。我自認為失敗很多、甚至於可以 拿一個失敗者的大獎章、但是每一次的失敗、我 不只是想從其中得到教訓、而且我還會相信神會帶領我走 下一步、會為我開門、因為神帶領我有很好的紀錄証明。 耶穌的帶領常常是和我自己的心願或計劃相違背。但是從我過 去70多年的生活。我已經深深地看清神的帶領都是最好 的。遠超我自己的選擇。如果走我自己選擇的路、可能是 一團糟。所以我對未來也是存在同樣的信心。我只需要有 更多的耐心等待他的指引。或許我可以稍微講一個最簡單 的故事。當我拿到碩士學位以後、準備結婚、從未考慮攻 讀博士、只想做個純家庭主婦的博士夫人、可是神沒有讓 我如願以償、嫁一個現成的博士,迫使我要等待老公讀完 博士、在等待期間,為了經濟上的需要、我只好申請獎學 金,繼續攻讀博士學位,結果我們居然同時畢業、這就是 人願和天願相違的経歷之一。但是卻有很好的後果。 我目前在YouTube上有兩個視頻:一個是關於華裔移民 的故事,希望大家能夠踴躍參加,因為我常常青黃不接無 法定期上網。網站地址郵箱是estherlee@fnplweb.org。 另一個是有關我對美國的認識、雖然內容很廣泛、但 是我主要是針對美國的華裔,來分享一些美國的時事和歷 史,特別是有關華人社會各種方面的議題。
Q:你在教育界多年,作到了院長,給現在進入學術界的華人什麼樣的指導? 在教育界服務多年、我發覺正如很多人指出:高等教 育的政治手挽和操作比其他任何一個行業都複雜和超越。 可惜當時我年輕無知、以為只要努力教書贏得好的評價、 努力申請各種不同的研究補助經費,以便可以有研究計劃和發表論文。自 然在服務方面、由於語言文化的障礙、很難充分的打入學 術界的團體、但是也盡力而為。記得我們是在一個學術研 討會中相遇認識的?從此您給我在事業上和競選上有無限 的幫助和支持。我感到最遺憾的就是沒有一個導師來指導 我的發展。既使非正式的都沒有。我相信這和我當年畢業 以後、沒有立即開始就業有關係、因為我畢業以後,有四 年在家裡面做全時間的家庭主婦、生兒育女。這四年中我 就失去了和教授們的聯繫,基本上就是脫節了。加上當時 婦女就業也不認為是有必要的。
Q:你努力不懈背後是怎麼樣的精神支撐? 希望我的回答不會引起某些讀者們的反感和質疑。坦 白的說、我最大的生命和工作的動力是來自於我基督徒的信仰。無論在家庭、就業、社區各處生活所扮演不同的 角色,都是倚靠我的信仰。因為我從小受到父母的宗教薰 陶,認為應該遵守聖經上的教訓、要做個好的管家、管理 神所賜給我們所有的資源,包括智慧,健康,頭腦,金 錢,各個方面。要盡力而為、因為做一切事情都是要對神負責 任、要誠實有原則,謙卑,和平等等。因此、我的生命 中總是有個目標。無論外界的環境多麼的凶險或動盪、 我的心還是安靜穩扎穩打,信靠神的帶領。因此、我到 如今還可以避免很多老年人所經歷的沮喪心情、我還是 仍然努力,積極地往前尋求神的旨意:做他要我做的 事、所以基本上,我可以用一個英文字JOY代表我一身的原 則。J(Jesus)是為耶穌O(Others)是為別人Y(Yourself)是 為自己。當我們把個人的好處擺在最後一位,我們就會有 更積極的態度和喜樂的心情來面對現在和未來。
Q:你今後10年有什麼計劃? 這個問題的簡單回答是沒有計劃!因為我都不知道我未 來的健康?會留在人間有多久?但是我相信神知道。所以我 盡量珍惜神給我每一段時間。每一天我都準備好可以沒有 慚愧地面對我的神。因此,我每一天早上起來後、就有很 多要做的事情擺在眼前。我自認為失敗很多、甚至於可以 拿一個失敗者的大獎章、但是每一次的失敗、我 不只是想從其中得到教訓、而且我還會相信神會帶領我走 下一步、會為我開門、因為神帶領我有很好的紀錄証明。 耶穌的帶領常常是和我自己的心願或計劃相違背。但是從我過 去70多年的生活。我已經深深地看清神的帶領都是最好 的。遠超我自己的選擇。如果走我自己選擇的路、可能是 一團糟。所以我對未來也是存在同樣的信心。我只需要有 更多的耐心等待他的指引。或許我可以稍微講一個最簡單 的故事。當我拿到碩士學位以後、準備結婚、從未考慮攻 讀博士、只想做個純家庭主婦的博士夫人、可是神沒有讓 我如願以償、嫁一個現成的博士,迫使我要等待老公讀完 博士、在等待期間,為了經濟上的需要、我只好申請獎學 金,繼續攻讀博士學位,結果我們居然同時畢業、這就是 人願和天願相違的経歷之一。但是卻有很好的後果。 我目前在YouTube上有兩個視頻:一個是關於華裔移民 的故事,希望大家能夠踴躍參加,因為我常常青黃不接無 法定期上網。網站地址郵箱是estherlee@fnplweb.org。 另一個是有關我對美國的認識、雖然內容很廣泛、但 是我主要是針對美國的華裔,來分享一些美國的時事和歷 史,特別是有關華人社會各種方面的議題。

estherleecoveredbywechinese_oct.pdf | |
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