Journey, Memories, and Advice

An Interview

By Allison Banayat

I interviewed my Mom. When she was three years old, she moved from Hong Kong to Reno, Nevada. She went to college at the University of Nevada, then moved to California for work in computer coding. To this day, she still works with the same company she moved to California for over 20 years ago. I chose to interview my mom for many reasons. One of the reasons was that I didn’t have many options. The other was that I wanted to know more about her life.

What is your favorite food?

I would say that my favorite food is Japanese cuisine, especially sushi and poke, because of the many of memories surrounding it.

What kind of memories?

The most memorable moments would be going to Tokie’s every Friday. I loved having tradition almost every week. I got to watch you and Megan grow up in ways that wouldn’t have happened if we had not gone. I watched you learn to use chopsticks; I watched as you slowly expanded what you would eat.

What would you change about your life if you could go back in time?

If I could go back in time, I would likely revisit my choice of college and opt to attend a college that was farther from home instead of staying local. Experiencing life in a different environment could have provided me with valuable learning experiences and broadened my horizons in ways that I have yet to understand fully. I missed out on living in a dorm. I missed out on the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and meet new people, to develop independence and responsibility. 

What is something you want me to learn?

I want you to learn the importance of being more responsible and staying on top of the tasks that you need to complete. This skill is crucial and can influence your success in various aspects of your life. These skills not only help you achieve your goals but also prepare you to handle challenges effectively. Ultimately, I think they will lead to a more fulfilling and successful future for you.