How Shirley Chan Inspired Me to Embrace My Uniqueness

As a child, I was often teased for my name. "Chen Pei Qi," my classmates would chant, emphasizing the "ch" sound in my last name. It made me feel like an outsider, a different species altogether. In the sea of English names, mine stood out like a sore thumb.

Enter Shirley Chan, the beloved Hong Kong actress. To my surprise, she shared the same unique surname as me. Seeing her grace the silver screen with confidence and charisma made me realize that my name was not a weakness but a source of strength.

• Discovering My Roots: Shirley Chan's success opened my eyes to the rich heritage behind my name. It led me on a journey to explore my family history and the significance of the "Chen" surname.

I learned that the "ch" sound in my last name represented the ancient Chinese state of Chu. The people of Chu were known for their bravery and independence, traits that I aspired to embody.

• Finding My Voice: Inspired by Shirley Chan's example, I shed my insecurities and embraced my uniqueness. I started using my full name with pride, knowing that it carried a powerful story.

One day, a new classmate asked about my name. Instead of shying away, I shared its meaning with her. To my surprise, she was fascinated and asked me more questions about my heritage. Sharing my culture made me feel connected to others, even those from different backgrounds.

The Power of Representation: Shirley Chan's visibility as a Chinese actress in the entertainment industry was hugely impactful. It showed me that people like me could succeed and be recognized for their talent, regardless of their names.

• A Ripple Effect: Embracing my name inspired others around me to embrace their own unique identities. My friends and family, who had once teased me, now celebrated our diversity.

One of my friends, who had always been embarrassed by her Vietnamese surname, found the courage to use it in her professional life. Seeing the positive impact it had on her made me realize that by sharing my own story, I could empower others to embrace their true selves.

Call to Action: Let us use our voices to celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes. Let us embrace our uniqueness and inspire others to do the same. Just as Shirley Chan's journey inspired me, may your story inspire countless others to find pride and confidence in their identities.