This year I made a decision that I did not take lightly. I thought that I would symbolize who I am and how I wanted the world to see me. I decided to include my Chinese name in my official transcripts at school because I wanted my high school diploma to reflect my Chinese roots.

The response I got from others was surprising.

A few of my friends asked, "Why did you add that to your name?" or "Whoa, I don't remember your name being that complicated!"

Later, when I walked by the honour roll display, I overheard some students snicker as they tried mockingly to pronounce my name. Then I noticed someone had misspelled my Chinese name.

It was not an auspicious beginning.

Growing up as a Canadian of Chinese ancestry, I have always considered myself a blend of both cultures and traditions. Neither the culture of my heritage nor the culture of my place of citizenship has ever taken precedence.

However, people keep asking me, "Do you think in English or in Chinese?" or "Are your friends Canadian or Chinese?" or "Do you consider yourself Canadian or Chinese?"

I have always responded by asking "Why must I choose between the two? Can't I be both?"

I don't think that many Canadians are aware of the prejudice that exists against Orientals.

I am strapped with positive stereotypes: Orientals are good at math, hard-working and rich. We drive BMW's, and carry our cellular phones everywhere. We love to buy huge homes in the suburbs.

Many people look at my race and do not see a Canadian citizen, but a landed immigrant. When I went for my driver's license for example, the attendant asked if I wanted to write the test in another language. He was surprised when I responded in fluent English. When I visited university open houses, I was asked about my English proficiency.

I am forced to observe European holidays like Christmas and Easter, yet when it is time for me to celebrate Chinese New Year, I have to study for school examinations.

When it comes to public declarations of discrimination, it seems to me that our society is much more concerned with African Canadian, native Canadian and French Canadian affairs.

In Chinese culture, there are jokes about being born and raised in Canada. I am a "banana", a CBC, a "bamboo shoot", or whatever else they may call me. I am proud to sign my name as Amanda Chia-Ming Hu.

I guess there will always be people who will make sly comments or rude remarks. Sometimes you just have to be mature enough to ignore it.

Amanda Chia-Ming Hu, 18, attends Richview Collegiate Institute, in Toronto.