First interview in LA: I had a great interview today with an awesome yonsei Japanese American! Jeff squeezed me into his day en route to the airport to catch a flight to New York. One thing that really struck me during the interview was Jeff's comment about assimulating without over integrating. Immigrants and first generations obviously have a need to assimulate but what does it mean for Asian Americans to "over integrate"?

Earlier this evening, I met up with Saki, with whom I interviewed in CT. We met in Palos Verdes at a gulf course facing the Pacific Ocean. The view there was absolutely amazing! We had a great shoot. I'm debating doing something more abstract with Saki's portrait, a collage based on what she said in her interview, or using the portrait we shot today as is. Hmmm...we'll see.

Well, here I am in San Francisco. The first part of my West Coast trip. It's beautiful out here. I got up early (partly from my jetlag) and took a walk around Union Square. There was an artist fair at the square and artists were setting up. I love the creative vibe in the air. My first day though turned out slightly less than what I would call successful. When I got to the apt of the first person I was scheduled to meet, I was concerned that no one was answering the bell. Realizing that I didn't write down her phone number, I rushed to an internet cafe nearby to check for her number on an old email. (Really, thank goodness for internet cafes!) When I reached someone on the other end of the line, a sleepy voice answered, "JuAnne, who?" Well, as it turned out, because I hadn't confirmed on the meeting at her apt (and she gave me her address too), she simply thought we weren't meeting at all. Right, after I sent numerous emails to confirm her availability before I booked my flight and after I booked my flight, I really didn't care to meet. Right. To be honest, it was my oversight for not confirming the meeting location. So, I really shouldn't be complaining. Well, hope the rest of my West Coast trip goes better.

A shout out to my friend, Patricia Eng! She's found me 2, maybe 3 more people to interview during my West Coast trip. Hopefully, the schedules will work out. I think scheduling time with people has been one of the biggest challenge with this project. Most people have been very very accomodating, fitting me into their busy schedules. Some people are so busy, I was rescheduled 3 or 4 times. After awhile, I feel like a pest. But hey, I'm getting that quote! Or that portrait!

Ok! I've made all my reservations for the upcoming West Coast trip to SF and LA. I have spoken with several people during the summer and have interviews set up. I'm still disappointed that not more Asian Americans from either SF or LA have shown interest in participating. I'm still working on finding a few more people to interview though. Very excited about this trip! I'll be meeting with 2 Chinese Americans in the SF area. In LA, I'll be meeting with 1 Chinese American, 2 Japanese Americans and possibly one Indian American.

What would make this project successful? It would mean a lot to me if a quote, a story or a profile from this project spoke to someone who saw it. If someone is able to take away an understanding or not feel so alone knowing that another person shared the same experience. Or if it inspired another person to not be afraid to work against the stereotype because someone else has successfully done so. That, to me, would make this project successful.