Immigrantly Inheriting Narratives (July 2024)
Jun 10, 2025
Emily Kwong, a journalist and storyteller with NPR, dives into the intersections of identity and mental health. She shares her formative experiences with diverse families shaped by her grandmother's daycare, highlighting the significance of childhood on personal stories. The complexities of middle child dynamics and familial ties are explored, shedding light on mental health struggles. Emily also addresses the impact of 9/11 on Muslim identities and the nuanced journey of unlearning historical narratives for healing and understanding within Asian American and Pacific-Islander communities.
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Childhood Shaped by Family Dynamics
- Emily Kwong grew up in her grandmother's daycare, observing diverse family dynamics closely from a young age.
- This exposure sparked a lifelong fascination with how family relationships shape individuals.
Family Roots Shape Mental Health
- Early family experiences shape lifelong understanding of people's behaviors and relationships.
- Trauma and upbringing deeply influence mental health across generations.
Personal Mental Health Shared
- Emily reveals her struggles with depression linked to her mother's mental health and family trauma.
- This vulnerability allowed deeper connections and understanding in her work on her podcast.