Asians Around Appalachia: Gavin Zheng
- aaajournal25
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Gavin Zheng is a Chinese-American high school senior from Parkersburg, West Virginia. He is a self described “history guy” and also enjoys disc golfing in his free time.
Interview
Have you ever felt out of place due to your identity? If so, where did you find a sense of community?
I haven’t really felt out of place. I got lucky in my childhood and met some amazing people that I am still friends with today. I would say that has most definitely helped me feel more comfortable as someone who is different from most people that are around me.
Can you tell us about one of your stories related to being an AppalAsian? (e.g. household traditions, bullying/harassment, family business, etc.)
Well, when I was young, kindergarten age, I did get bullied, it was only a one time thing sort of. The class was out for recess and a couple kids started shoving me, it wasn’t anything major like a fight, but I had friends who helped me and got a teacher. A lovely household tradition for us and for most Asians I would say, or just anyone who likes their house to be clean, is to wear house slippers, pretty comfortable and keeps the foot clean as well.
What is one Appalachian / Asian American related policy issue that’s important to you and why? (e.g. lack of representation, barriers to education/healthcare, economic inequality, etc.)
One Appalachian / Asian American policy issue that matters to me is healthcare access in rural areas. Appalachia already struggles with limited hospitals and providers, but Asian Americans there often face added barriers like language differences and a lack of culturally competent care. This can make it harder for families to get treatment, especially for older immigrants. To me, this is important because healthcare is a basic need, and no one should be left behind because of culture or geography. Expanding language services and culturally aware healthcare would help close that gap.
What is one piece of advice you would give to AppalAsians struggling to fit in?
Try and find your group, there always will be one somewhere out there, you’ll have to accept the hardships that come with finding your group, but try new things and eventually you’ll find what’s best for you.
