about the project

Growing up, I always felt conflicted about my identity as an Asian American. I never saw it as one identity, but rather as a clash of cultures. I was never “Asian enough” for some and “too Asian” for others. This project, Where We’re Really From explores the struggles and triumphs of the Phams as they raise two boys, Hayle, 7, and Henry, 9. The brothers are just beginning to learn about and understand their layered identities. Their parents, Thu and Hansel are helping them become aware of their culture and sense of self as they come-of-age in an American society where ideas of masculinity, gender, and race are ever evolving.

Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States, but their histories and experiences are often lost and muted. This multimedia project is a glimpse into the layers of Asian American boyhood. 

This project would not be possible without support from the Phams who welcomed me into their family with open arms. Thank you for allowing me to be there during the difficult moments and joyous ones. Thank you for allowing me to document during the chaos of boyhood and the quiet moments of parenthood. Thank you for inviting me to New York City, Ocean City, and Seven Springs. While I sought to learn about masculinity and identity in your family, I never thought this would be an eye-opening self-reflective journey.

Thank you to Susan Sterner for your guidance and wisdom. Your ability to see my vision before I see it is a superpower. Thank you for building my foundation of visual journalism. Thank you for listening to hours of pitches and ideas and making me have more questions than answers.

Thank you to the New Media Photojournalism faculty at the Corcoran Jasper Colt, Matt Eich, Steve Elfers, Manuel Roig-Franzia, Michele Frankfurter, Jim Mole, Astrid Riecken, Ben Tankersly, and Holly Yaeger for teaching me how to see light and share it with others. And thank you to Tyrone Turner for your guidance during department review.

Thank you to my classmates, Brooke McDonough, Akash Pamarthy, Xueying Chang, Wenxuan Wu, Yu-Jing Huang, and Shane Bahn for supporting and pushing me to go further.

Thank you to Robert Miller, Elijah Sinclair Walker, Emily Jan, and Gabriel Sanchez, who reviewed this project at the Women Photojournalists of Washington portfolio reviews in 2019 and 2020. 

Thank you to Albert Hsu, Sumi Hu, and Rodney Salinas for opening up to me about raising sons. Thank you to Vi Bui of Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development in Washington, D.C., for giving insight into our communities. 

Thank you to Shuran Huang for your support of the story and support of Asian voices.

Thank you to my parents, Kim Lee and Norman Lee, for being okay with me not becoming a physical therapist and pursuing my passion. Thank you for talking with me about our Asian identity, family history, and raising a son. Thank you for always being there for me.

Lastly, thank you to Carrie Schmaus for supporting me through the entirety of graduate school. You’ve kept me grounded, while making sure I aim for the stars.