Asians Around Appalachia: Izabella Gao
- aaajournal25
- Nov 11
- 1 min read
Izabella Gao is a Chinese American from Morgantown, West Virginia. In school, she is an active participant of the Morgantown High girl’s lacrosse team. During her spare time, she enjoys drawing and painting.
Interview
Have you ever felt out of place due to your identity? If so, where did you find a sense of community?
I've never really felt out of place too much because I was lucky enough to live in Morgantown WV because well this place is already so diverse and people are used to it already.
Can you tell us about one of your stories related to being an AppalAsian? (e.g. household traditions, bullying/harassment, family business, etc.)
I was never really smart growing up and people who are Asian are typically labeled as really smart and well I wasn't that and people around me would just tell me I'm dumb and how I'm slow.
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.)
I feel like Asians don't have much representation in anything because the government is just basically older white people who have certain values.
What is one piece of advice you would give to AppalAsians struggling to fit in?
I would tell them that it's easier then you expect there are going to be people who are going to harass you or bully you about certain things you do, but you shouldn't really pay mind to people like that because there are people who are going to treat you well and respect you.
