How Identity Has Influenced a Chief Financial Officer and Non Profit Organization Founder at Biomerica and Forge Optima's Career
Gary's experience as a first-generation Asian American shaped identity, fostering "grit" and a strong work ethic from an "immigrant mentality," but also creating self-doubt and limiting career guidelines. The key to success, as Gary learned, lies in pursuing one's passions and values, leveraging those identity factors as part of one's fabric, while recognizing the importance of personal identity and not being confined by perceived limitations.
First Generation, Identity, Immigrant Mentality, Grit, Personal Values
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Gary Lu
CFO / NPO Founder
Biomerica and Forge Optima
UCLA
Economics
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Finance
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Importance of personal identity alongside cultural identity: Balancing the influence of immigrant background with individual aspirations and passions.
2. Impact of immigrant mentality: Recognizing both the positive aspects like grit and determination, and the negative aspects like self-doubt and pressure to succeed.
3. Following passions and values: Emphasizing the significance of pursuing personal interests and values for overall success and fulfillment, regardless of identity factors.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as first-generation, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
Being the first in my family born in America and raised by immigrant parents has truly shaped who I am. These experiences are crucial and define my identity.
However, these aspects can also create limitations, boxing you in. You might feel like you have to stay within a certain predefined space. As I've gotten older, I've learned the importance of my personal identity alongside these influences.
As an Asian American, I'm the first in my family. Navigating the world isn't about being an immigrant figuring things out, but rather using the immigrant mentality and the grit it fostered. While this has created resilience, it has also led to self-doubt and questions like "Why am I always a failure?" or "Why couldn't this have been better?"
These pressures can be significant, but there's a point where they become limiting. From a guidance perspective, consider what careers are truly important to you and what you genuinely want to pursue.
From a personalized standpoint, having both your background and your personal aspirations is vital. You can be a first-generation college student and still achieve success by following what's important to you and who you are.
These identity factors will always be a part of you. However, from a personal perspective, you must learn to leverage them effectively. The easiest way to do this is by following your passions and aligning with your values.