Did you know that Canada celebrates Asian Heritage Month in May as well? Today we head north to round out our celebration with Mei (she/her) in NP Toronto who’s never regretted a morning she decided to #JustShowUp.
What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities?
Chinese Canadian, Canadian-born Chinese, Asian, mom (to a furbaby and a human baby)
Who are some of the Asian athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
My mom is a huge figure skating fan so Patrick Chan and Michelle Kwan are some athletes who I’ve always admired. I also look up to the many Asian athletes in my community, including my co-leader Ben!
When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
I first showed up in 2018 when my friend Rebecca was visiting from Ottawa and brought me to my first workout. Everybody at NP Toronto was so welcoming. I went to coffee with a group of them afterwards and they took the time to introduce themselves. When I showed up the next week I was welcomed back and they remembered my name (not just the Co-leaders, but other members, too). Little things like that make such a difference. Also as an aside, coincidentally, Rebecca and I became Co-leaders in our respective cities at around the same time in 2021! It feels like things have come full circle.
What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
I’m not a morning person and I’m also not a fast runner, so I was worried about being late and not being able to keep up during the workout. I’ve also been dropped during group runs by other groups that claim to be for all fitness levels, so that’s always something that I worry about. My first impression of NP Toronto was how welcoming they were and that they truly do celebrate all fitness levels and abilities. There were a few times where I was the last person to finish a workout, and rather than feeling down about it, I felt uplifted by the group as they cheered for me. They also showed up outside of NP, cheering at different races, and unlike some of the other groups I run with, even stayed and cheered for me at a race where I wasn’t doing very well (even though I finished after our brunch reservation time). I have never regretted waking up early on a Wednesday morning to go to NP.
What does it mean to you to be an Asian Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
As Sandra Oh said, “It’s an honour just to be Asian.” I feel incredibly grateful to be in this position of privilege and have this opportunity to lead. I think every Co-leader brings their perspective and draws from their experiences, which is part of why it’s important to have different perspectives at the table.
How does being Asian influence your leadership? What was it like to be Asian in your community before you stepped into leadership?
My heritage is important to me and one thing that I’ve always appreciated about NP Toronto is the willingness and desire to learn more about each other. As a member, I remember being thrilled when NP Toronto held a Lunar New Year workout (informed by some Asian members). It was so nice to celebrate my culture in my community. When I stepped into leadership, the first workout I ever planned and led was also a Lunar New Year workout. As a Co-leader, I’m always looking for opportunities to learn and celebrate other cultures at NP Toronto. I think this experience has also influenced me to always strive to try to get to know people at our workouts.
Do you remember the first time you saw someone who identified the same as you in leadership (at November Project or anywhere else)? What was that feeling like?
I remember meeting Asian NP co-leaders and thinking how cool it was that someone like me was in leadership. I want to add that these Asian Co-leaders were hurt by NP and rather than walk away quietly, they put themselves out there and spoke up. I have so much respect for them. I believe they all contributed to making my experience as an Asian co-leader better. I hope that NP listens to their concerns and demonstrates that they’re listening with measurable concrete actions.
Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead? What advice would you give to another Asian person who is nervous about leading a group (at November Project or anywhere else) or coming to November Project?
I experienced major imposter syndrome when I was asked to lead. I had never considered being a Co-leader and it came as a big surprise to me. This led me to a lot of reflection and mainly I thought that Co-leaders had to be the fastest and strongest and super outgoing. I am a quiet introvert and have come to realize that being quiet can also be a strength. I was also concerned with trying to be like the Co-leaders who came before me (who were all amazing and all modeled incredibly positive and welcoming behaviour that I try to emanate as a Co-leader). My former co-leader Steph was super supportive and told me that I didn’t need to try to be like them and that I needed to just be myself. I think that’s the advice that I’d give to others. Be yourself. And you’ve got this!
How do you celebrate Asian Heritage Month? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?
In Canada, it’s Asian Heritage Month and the theme for 2023, according to the Government of Canada’s website is “Stories of Determination”, which represents the strides made and the challenges overcome by Asian communities to thrive in Canada over the last 2 centuries and beyond.”
This month I am trying to learn more about the history of Asian communities in Canada. I’m a big reader so I try to read more Asian authors (not just this month but throughout the year) and learn as much as I can. I also think about what life is like for my daughter as a second generation Chinese Canadian and how I can pass on my heritage to her.
What else do you want people reading this to know?
Be open, keep learning and keep listening. I also have a lot to learn and have appreciated it when I have been called in in the past. Also, thank you for taking the time to read this and learn a little about me. If you’re ever in Toronto, I hope to see you at a workout so I can learn a little about you too!
