In the final chapter of our journey with Jin, we step behind the counter of the family restaurant and into the world of competitive ping pong. This episode explores childhood as a restaurant kid and treasured moments of quality family time in between whirlwind schedules for parents and children alike. From her parents’ challenging backgrounds, we see the family they were able to build and the people their children grow up to be. And how, though remarkably challenging for immigrant families, Jin was able to build an adult friendship with her parents.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Restaurant Kid Subculture: A look at balancing school and extracurriculars while helping out with the family business, and developing a special awareness of their parents’ sacrifice and hard work.
• Ping Pong and Life Lessons: How Jin stumbled into effectively free ping pong lessons that taught her resilience, focus, and skills she would apply to the rest of her life.
• Parent-Child Relationships: A look at the child-centric values of Jin’s parents—what they sought to mold in their children versus the moments they sought their children's opinions.
• Intergenerational Friendships: The rare and moving transition from the traditional parent-child hierarchy to becoming genuine friends with her parents in adulthood.

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Explore the Cultureful Heritage Collections:

✊🏾Black Voices Collection – Celebrating leadership, advocacy, and lived experience. The Collection on Spotify and YouTube

🏮Chinese and Taiwanese Voices Collection – Diversity of the diaspora and relating to family and identity. The Collection on Spotify and YouTube

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Support Our Mission: Become a Season 3 Supporter If you believe in our vision of a connected global neighborhood where no one is an outsider, please consider becoming a Season 3 Supporter. Your contribution keeps these co-created memoirs independent, accessible, and powered by neighbors. Become a Supporter today: https://ko-fi.com/cultureful

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Watch on YouTube: Link coming later today

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Episode Credits

Host, Producer, Research & Sound Design: Jess Lin

Advising and Production Support: Ruben Gnanaruban

Founding Supporter Shout-outs: Special thanks this week to Matt and Nhi, Huiyuan, and Rachel C. — Your support powers the show!

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