Cerisa Katchmart shares about her experiences growing up in the Bay Area and visiting family in Thailand.
Every summer, my Thai relatives greet me with a simple question: “Kin khaw yang?” (Literally meaning, “Have you eaten yet?”). To an outsider, it seems like a simple inquiry about a meal, but in the context of my heritage, it’s how we express care. Growing up in the Bay Area, I was taught the value of independence — a mindset where success is an individual pursuit. However, in Roi Et, a small town in northeastern Thailand, life moves at a slower pace.
Here, before anyone picks up a spoon, there is a collective responsibility to ensure that every plate is full. Food becomes more than sustenance. It’s how we tell each other “You matter.” My family doesn’t just fill my plate; they nourish me with stories, share ancestral wisdom and provide a steady stream of encouragement.
Conversely, the Bay Area shapes me through its demanding rhythm. I grew up surrounded by classmates who channeled their energy into test scores and extracurricular accolades. In this environment, I’ve learned to hustle, keeping pace with a culture that expects constant movement towards the next milestones. Here, independence and drive are not just values; they are the standard of life.
As someone forged by these two worlds, I’ve realized that individual ambition and community support are not mutually exclusive. From the Bay Area, I’ve learned to dream without limits. From Roi Et, I’ve learned the importance of looking back to see who is being left behind. The “hybrid” identity has evolved into a core value: success is meaningful when it contributes to something larger than oneself.