Immigrant Struggles: Apologies, Strength, and Identity

Jessica believes that admitting mistakes and saying sorry makes one stronger, not weaker.

### The Struggles of Immigrant Identity and Strength in Apology
* 🍔 Jessica Eddie's impulsive act of stealing a bus for a cheeseburger reflects a **deeper struggle with identity and belonging**.
* 🌍 The narrator recalls their own experience as an immigrant, feeling **invisible and shrinking** under the weight of cultural differences.
* 📚 They describe a moment in their teaching career when they faced a **false accusation from a student**, leading them to **apologize despite being wronged**.
* 💼 The conversation about the narrator's job loss highlights the feeling of **powerlessness**, as they complied with others' demands but still faced consequences.
* 💔 The narrator expresses a desire for their children to **avoid such feelings of weakness**, especially as Eddie navigates life in a **new country**.
* 💪 They emphasize the importance of strength in acknowledging mistakes, stating that **"saying sorry is one of the hardest things you ever do."**
* 👨 Teaching their children to own their mistakes will ultimately empower them, reinforcing the belief that **vulnerability can lead to strength**.

Jessica Eddie stole a bus to eat a cheeseburger. You know, he wasn't really standing up for something fine. I knew he was lying. Maybe I was just looking for an excuse to save him. Save him from what? When I first moved to this country, I didn't know the language or the culture. I would shrink my shoulders, put my head down, and try to be invisible. The immigrant shrivel, a model minority. I didn't want to cause any trouble, so I apologized all the time, even when I wasn't wrong, like you do. Until one day, back when I was teaching, I gave this kid an F. He got upset, and he told his parents that I shouted at him, which I didn't do. But instead of standing up for myself, I agreed to apologize. I am very sorry for what happened with Steven. Please accept my apology. Thank you. You're still gonna fire her, right? We'd hate to have to tell the school board about this. Yes, I suppose that is the only appropriate move. What? You understand, Jessica. It's just easier this

way I did everything they wanted me to, but I still lost my job. I felt so powerless and weak. I don't want the boys to ever feel that. Eddie being alone in a new country like we were brought all that back, and in two years, he's gonna be out on his own for good. Jessica, we have great kids, and they have the strongest mother in the world. I am strong, but even great kids make mistakes. Eddie owning that won't make him weak. Saying sorry is one of the hardest things you ever do. If the boys learn to do that, it'll only make them stronger.

Model Minority – Fresh Off The Boat

Struggles of Immigrant Identity and Standing Up for Oneself

Jessica Eddie stole a bus for a cheeseburger, and the narrator reflects on their own immigrant experience of feeling invisible and apologizing to avoid trouble.

The narrator shares a story of giving a student an F, leading to an upset parent and a false accusation, ultimately agreeing to apologize instead of standing up for themselves.

The conversation ends with a suggestion of firing the narrator, highlighting the difficulty of asserting oneself in challenging situations.

The speaker reflects on losing their job despite trying to meet expectations, feeling powerless.

They are determined to prevent their sons from experiencing similar struggles, especially with Eddie soon to be on his own.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of owning mistakes and apologizing, believing that these lessons will make the boys stronger.